Collector’s guide
Questions to Ask Before Buying Art
Ask about authorship, title, date, medium, dimensions, condition, provenance, certificate, price, tax, framing, delivery, returns and the seller’s authority to offer the work.
Ask questions that identify the work
Who made it, what is its exact title, and when was it produced? What are its medium, support and dimensions? Is it unique or editioned, and which impression is available? Ask about signature, condition and documentation. Where the image shown is a room visualisation, request images and specifications of the actual work.
Ask questions that define the purchase
What does the quoted price include? Confirm framing, delivery, installation and any applicable charges, together with payment and return terms. Ask about production or dispatch timing and what happens if delivery is delayed or damage is discovered. Put the agreed answers into the written offer so both parties have the same record.
Before you decide
- Identity, medium, dimensions, condition and edition
- Price inclusions, payment and applicable purchase terms
- Timing, transport, installation and arrival procedure