Art Valuer
What is the work like?
As an art valuer, you would assess how much individual artworks or collections are worth. You would advise people and organisations who want to sell, buy or insure artworks, including paintings, sculpture, jewellery, porcelain, books and furniture. You would often specialise in a particular period or type of artwork, for example, eighteenth century porcelain.
Your day-to-day work would typically include:
- assessing the condition, quality and age of the object or collection
- checking whether objects have been restored or changed in any way
- checking the origin of the object or collection by examining receipts or other proof of how the owner obtained it
- carrying out research using reference books, libraries and the internet
- consulting specialists and historians
- keeping up to date with current prices and demands
- preparing written evaluations for clients
- preparing catalogues and running auctions.
You may sometimes act as an expert witness in disputed cases which have gone to court.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can become an art valuer in any of the following ways:
- working in an auction house or antiques business as an assistant, porter, or cataloguer and learning through experience and part-time study
- joining a graduate training scheme with a large auction house such as Sotheby's or Christie's – only a few of these are offered each year, and you will usually need a degree in a subject such as history of art or fine art
- completing a degree in a relevant subject, such as art history, fine arts and restoration, or fine arts conservation, followed by further professional training in valuation.
You could complete one of the following specialised courses:
- BA (Hons) in Art, Design and Business – offered by Southampton Solent University
- MA in Arts Market Appraisal (Professional Practice) – offered at Kingston University and accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
See the university websites for full details.
To search for other relevant degree courses see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a valuer, you will receive on-the-job training.
You can also develop and update your knowledge by attending short courses, such as those run by the major auction houses, Christie's and Sotheby's. These cover areas such as specific periods of art history, fine and decorative arts, and the art market. Visit Christie's and Sotheby's websites for details.
You could study part-time for postgraduate qualifications such as the MA in Arts Market Appraisal (Professional Practice) at Kingston University.
You could also improve your career prospects by gaining chartered status through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme. You will need a RICS-approved degree and a minimum of two years' experience. You will then be interviewed by a panel of assessors. See the RICS website for details.
Joining the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers will give you access to their professional development (CPD) programme. Membership is available at student or professional level.
Where can I go for more information?
Westwood Way
Coventry
CV4 8JE
Tel: 0870 333 1600
Kingston
Surrey
KT1 2QJ
Tel: 020 8547 7047
48 New North Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4EP
Helpline: 08000 567160
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be up to £18,500 a year.
- Average salaries are around £22,000 to £25,000 a year.
- With several years’ experience and specialist knowledge, salaries can rise to £40,000 or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
You could be based in an office in a dealership or auction house, or travel to clients' homes or businesses to carry out valuations. You may travel locally, nationally or overseas, depending on your clients.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- in-depth knowledge of the arts and antiques market
- excellent communication skills
- close attention to detail
- up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation
- research skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed as an arts valuer by auction houses or fine art or antique dealerships. Insurance firms also employ qualified valuers, particularly in the area of loss adjustment.
You may also be able to find work with museums, galleries, heritage organisations or private collectors, managing their collections and acquisitions and overseeing insurance, conservation or restoration work.
You could set up your own business in the antiques trade, offering a valuation service as well as buying and selling fine arts and antiques.
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