Our work

Most of our work begins with a collector who knows what they want: a particular work, or a work of a particular kind, by a major artist. Many such works are held privately and never offered for sale. We identify where suitable works are held and, where appropriate, approach owners, their families or their representatives with the discretion that significant works require.

At the outset, we assess candidly whether the work the collector has in mind can realistically be found within their budget and timetable, and whether an owner may be open to an approach. We take on a search only where we believe there is a real prospect of finding the work the collector would love to own.

When we act for a buyer, we represent the buyer alone, whether acquiring at public auction, through a gallery, directly from an owner, or by private treaty through an auction house's private-sales department. Where an auction house holds the sale mandate, we advise the buyer independently on the work, the price and the terms, and negotiate with the house on the buyer's behalf.

Our role extends from assessment of the work and its market, through specialist opinion, due diligence, negotiation and transaction structure, to completion.

For owners, we conduct private sales from mandate to completion, with the confidentiality, rigour and care that significant works deserve, whether the eventual buyer is a private collector or an institution. We establish the strategy, identify and approach prospective buyers, manage negotiations and coordinate the professional work required to complete the sale.

We are equally candid with sellers about likely demand, value, route and timing. A careful strategy from the outset matters, because a work offered too widely or too quickly is harder to sell well. For some works a museum is the right destination, even when the journey is a long one.

For a particularly important work, especially one being considered for institutional placement, we may be retained separately to research and prepare its presentation.

The owner is our client; prospective buyers are counterparties. Where a public auction, gallery representation or an auction house's private-sales department would better serve our client, we advise on that route and may continue to represent the owner through the process.

Before a work is bought or sold, the first question is whether it is ready: whether its authenticity, attribution and title are sound, and whether its history will stand up to scrutiny. Every work is checked before an acquisition or sale proceeds, and should come to us with its documentation in order. Where a work is not yet ready, for example because it needs further provenance, scholarly, legal or scientific investigation, we undertake that work as a separately retained engagement, working with independent specialists as each work requires.

Before any significant acquisition, three questions matter most: is the work what it is said to be, is it the right work, and does the price reflect its value? We examine attribution and authenticity, condition, provenance and title, and assess value against the market, working with independent scholars, conservators and scientific specialists where required. We also provide standalone written due-diligence reports, setting out the material findings, identified risks and recommendations within the agreed scope.

Where a work warrants scientific investigation, we advise the client on commissioning the appropriate analysis from leading laboratories, which may include multispectral imaging, infrared reflectography, X-radiography, chemical analysis or carbon-14 dating, supported by a full technical report.

Before any engagement proceeds, we carry out our compliance procedures, including confidential know-your-client and source-of-funds checks, in line with UK anti-money-laundering regulations. Legal and contractual review follows as each transaction requires.

Jessica Franses and Malcolm Taylor are directors of the Art Due Diligence Group, a specialist group for due diligence in high-value art transactions, of which Vitruvian is a member.

Significant transactions often involve far more than a buyer and a seller. We work with collectors, family offices, lawyers, advisers, auction houses, galleries, institutions and specialists, coordinating the parties and addressing the issues that arise in multi-party and cross-border transactions on our client's behalf.

For many families, one work matters more than all the others: the painting at the heart of a collection, or of a lifetime of collecting. Deciding its future, whether to keep it, pass it on, sell it or give it, is among the most personal decisions a family makes. We treat it as such, with the aim of securing the right outcome for its owners and for those who will inherit it.

We advise on the development, stewardship and future of collections, including acquisition strategy, deaccession, museum relationships, succession, gifting and legacy.

For established collections, we coordinate documentation, conservation, display, storage and insurance, working with appropriate professional providers. Where legal, tax, trust or wealth-planning advice is required, we work alongside the client's existing advisers or appropriate independent professionals.

When we act for a client, we act for that client alone, and our duties are owed to them. A transaction may bring many parties to the table; we represent one.

Our clients always know where we stand: before they proceed, we disclose any relevant interest known to us, whether our own or that of an associated business.

To discuss a matter in confidence, write to Jessica Franses directly.