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Art Valuer

Art Valuer

Do you want to become a Art Valuer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Art valuers work with people and organisations who want to buy, sell or insure artworks, including paintings, sculpture, furniture, silver, jewellery and clocks. They advise clients on how much each piece or collection is worth.

The work involves examining an object to find out when and where it was made, who made it, its quality, its condition and whether it has been restored or altered in any way. This helps the valuer to decide how much the object is worth. The value is usually based on the prices of similar objects sold at recent auctions, so it is important to keep up to date with what is happening in the market. The valuer produces a written valuation report for the client.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £50,000 a year.

Art valuers usually work 37 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may be necessary. They are based in offices but often visit clients at home or at their business premises. They also visit libraries, galleries and museums. A driving licence and car are useful.

An art valuer should:

  • have an eye for detail
  • have research skills
  • have strong communication skills
  • be interested in art, antiques and history.

Most art valuers are employed by auction houses all over the UK, but there may also be opportunities in large museums, galleries and private consultancies. There is likely to be a great deal of competition for vacancies.

No formal qualifications are required but most art valuers are graduates. Some join an antique dealer's business or auction house in a lower grade position and learn about objects and their value through experience. Larger auction houses like Christie's or Sotheby's recruit small numbers of graduate trainees each year. Southampton Institute offers a three-year full-time degree in Fine Art Valuation. There is no maximum age to become an art valuer. Previous experience in art or antiques dealing is an advantage.

Most training takes place on the job, but there may be opportunities to attend short external courses. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) offers a Diploma in Valuation (Fine Arts). To qualify for RICS Membership, individuals then undertake the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Promotion opportunities may be limited and it might be necessary to move to a larger employer for more pay and responsibility. Some art valuers undertake related work such as auctioneering. It is possible to become self-employed and offer consultancy services to a range of clients.

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