WHAT WE DO

Bespoke Art Advisory with Integrity

Hereford Art has a simple mission: to provide bespoke solutions to private clients and professional advisors, together with corporate and institutional collections.

We combine extensive experience and art market intelligence with the highest standards of transparency and integrity.

We Pride Ourselves on Our Focus & Discretion

Whether handling the sale of a single painting, helping a collector acquire an exceptional work, or preparing a formal valuation, we always act in the best interests of our clients.

After establishing a clear understanding of their needs, we offer strategic guidance to allow our clients to navigate the often-opaque art market, leveraging an international network of galleries, auction houses, collectors and our contacts across the wider art industry. We are not dealers and do not hold stock.

SALES

Expert Art Sales and Discreet Transactions

From discreetly handling the sale of a work of art to overseeing the disposal of a large single-owner collection, Hereford Art provides best-in-class solutions tailored specifically to each clients’ requirements. Our considered strategy will identify the best route to market to ensure the optimum result, whether by private sale, via galleries or at auction.

 
  • Valuation and collection overview
  • Sale strategy to assess sector strength, location and timing considerations
  • Auction consignment negotiation to secure optimum terms
  • Pre and post-sale logistics and management, including exhibitions and exposure, marketing and social media activations, press coverage
  • Private treaty sales direct to galleries and private clients
COLLECTIONS

Acquire and Manage Exceptional Art Collections

The creation of a first-class collection requires a high degree of trust and collaboration between client and advisor.

A bespoke acquisition plan will be created to define a client’s objectives and align with their budget, vision and passion, whilst ensuring the process is both educational and enjoyable.

  • Advice on both auction and private purchases, giving our clients access to unique opportunities
  • Condition reports, provenance research & conservation guidance
  • Logistics and collection management, including framing, lighting, security, transport and storage solutions, via an extensive network of trusted third-parties
  • Transparent brokerage fee based on value
VALUATIONS & CULTURAL HERITAGE

Hereford Art carries out formal valuations for insurance, probate and estate planning purposes.

We advise on a wide range of associated areas, including Conditional Exemption, chattel rental negotiations, and Acceptance in Lieu of tax (AiL).

Our competitive fees are charged on a time-spent basis, not as a percentage of value.

INSURANCE

In a swiftly moving art market with continually evolving collector tastes, an accurate up-to-date insurance valuation offers protection in the event of a loss, can help lower insurance premiums and allows insight into risk management.

Fine art, antiques and luxury items are an important but occasionally neglected asset class, which deserve the same level of management as financial assets.

  • Illustrated valuation reports for insurance purposes giving description, value and provenance
  • Current market data to ensure works aren’t under or over-insured
  • Valuations on individual items up to extensive multi-category collections at different locations
  • Categorisation of items to ensure insurance premium is accurately calculated
  • Reappraisals at agreed intervals to keep values in line with market fluctuations
PROBATE

Estate administration is often a difficult and emotional process. We provide executors with an impartial valuation of fine art, antiques and household contents to allow the accurate calculation of Inheritance Tax (IHT) and expediate the probate process more swiftly.

  • Valuations at open market value in accordance with S160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984
  • Illustrated valuation reports to assist with identification and equitable division of chattels amongst beneficiaries
  • Fully integrated service for executors, beneficiaries, solicitors and professional advisors
  • Sale advice to achieve the best net return
  • Clearance and storage solutions
TESTIMONIALS

  • Robin has handled valuations for both insurance and sale for me. His extensive market knowledge was invaluable when consigning works to several auction houses, at which he negotiated favourable terms on my behalf. I would not make a serious decision to buy or sell without first consulting with him.
    The Countess Sondes
    Lees Court Estate
  • As a professional trustee and executor, I found Robin’s advice, knowledge and professionalism when carrying out extensive multi-location valuations invaluable. We are impressed with his trustworthiness and delighted with the service.
    Andrew Rinker
    Attorney-at-Law, New Orleans
  • Robin helped us with inheritance tax planning over an important collection of porcelain, as well as advising on wider acquisitions for the collection. After taking his advice we sold a painting that achieved several times the guide price.
    Johnny Leavesley
    DL
  • When dealing with Robin one feels comforted and protected by his broad knowledge and his rigorous pursuit of trust and reliability. No sales talk, no sky-high promises, just facts and ethics. When we came to sell a family collection of whisky, Robin’s advice allowed us to place it in a specialist auction in which it made many times the pre-sale estimate - a fantastic outcome.
    Louis van Lennep
    Brussels
ABOUT

Hereford Art

Robin Hereford is the founder of Hereford Art. With over 25 years of experience in the fine art industry, Robin has extensive expertise coupled with a passion for art and antiques, supported by a remarkable global network of contacts.

As a seasoned valuer, Robin’s previous projects have involved extensive valuations for private clients, heritage organisations, livery companies, regimental collections, and government departments.

Formerly a Director of the Bonhams Valuations, Trusts & Estates department, and a member of the Bonhams UK Board and Chairman’s Office, over his career Robin has overseen the sale of numerous single-owner collections, and also exceptional works with unique provenance, including Old Master paintings, Chinese art, Modern British and Contemporary art, as well as fine furniture, antiquities, wristwatches and classic cars. In his former role of Director of Private Clients for Bonhams, Robin organised numerous charitable exhibitions and auctions, as well as a wide range of events, talks and tours.

Robin’s expertise regularly features in panel discussions, radio programmes and print publications.

Robin Hereford Profile Shot
CONTACT US

Hereford Art is here to provide transparent, expert guidance

+44 (0)7770 581375

[email protected]

Please don't hesitate to contact us for a confidential discussion about any aspect of your requirements, or the services we offer.