INDEPENDENT • USPAP-COMPLIANT • RESEARCH-DRIVEN
When You Need an Appraisal
Insurance Coverage & Claims
Independent assessments for coverage verification and damage claim support following loss, theft, or destruction.
Estate & Probate
Fair market value documentation for estate planning, probate proceedings, and tax reporting purposes.
Charitable Donations
CRA-compliant valuations for artworks donated to public institutions and registered charities in Canada.
Collection Planning
Strategic guidance for managing, documenting, and planning the future of private or institutional collections.
Legal Matters
Clear, objective valuations suitable for submission to legal counsel, courts, and tax authorities.
Documentation & Records
Professional inventory development and accurate documentation for collections of any scale.
Our Services
Insurance and damage claim appraisals provide independent assessments of fine art value before or after a loss. These appraisals support insurance coverage, substantiate claims, and ensure fair settlement following damage, theft, or destruction.
- Research-driven, objective valuations
- 2024 USPAP standards compliance
- Clear, defensible reports for insurers and adjusters
- Suitable for legal counsel and conservators
Estate appraisals provide independent fair market value assessments for estate planning, probate, and tax reporting. These appraisals assist executors, trustees, and legal advisors in accurately documenting artworks in accordance with CRA and IRS regulations.
- Thorough market research and USPAP compliance
- Suitable for courts and tax authorities (Canada & US)
- Clear, defensible documentation
- Handled with discretion and sensitivity
Charitable donation appraisals provide independent fair market value assessments for artworks donated to public institutions and registered charities in Canada, supporting tax receipting and CRA compliance.
- CRA-compliant valuations for charitable donations
- CCPERB certification support when required
- Thorough research and transparent reasoning
- Clear support for concluded values
Collections management services provide professional oversight and guidance for the care, documentation, and long-term planning of fine art collections, bringing clarity and structure to collections of any scale.
- Accurate inventory development and maintenance
- Documentation and condition considerations
- Conservation and specialist coordination
- Insurance coverage and valuation review
- Strategic planning for acquisitions and dispersals
Not located in Eastern Ontario? Desktop valuations offer streamlined, remote evaluation for single works of art, ideal when a formal appraisal report is not required. Based on images and information provided, desktop valuations deliver an informed opinion of value grounded in current market research.
- Conducted entirely remotely
- Practical guidance for planning and reference
- Best suited to straightforward, single-item inquiries
- Indicative value when full reports aren't necessary
The Process
What to Send Us
For each artwork, please include:
- Artist name – Full name if known, or signature as visible
- Medium – Oil on canvas, watercolor, print, mixed media, etc.
- Measurements – Dimensions of the artwork itself (inside the frame / sight size if framed)
- Photos – Clear images of the full front view, signature close-up, and back of the artwork (if accessible)
- Labels & Provenance – Photos of any labels, receipts, gallery stickers, or certificates of authenticity
- Ownership History – Information about when and where the artwork was purchased, if known
The quality and completeness of information provided directly supports the accuracy of desktop valuations.
What You Receive
Desktop Valuation (Remote)
- Informed opinion of value based on submitted materials
- Written summary delivered via email or PDF
- Current market research and context
- Recommendation on whether a full report is advisable
- Practical guidance for planning and reference
Formal Appraisal Report
- Formal, dated, written document
- USPAP-compliant and research-driven
- Supported with thorough market analysis
- Prepared for specific intended purpose (insurance, estate, donation)
- Clear, defensible, and objective documentation
- Suitable for submission to relevant authorities
Get Started with a Quote
Our Approach
We provide independent, professional fine art valuation with discretion and a research-based approach. Our work is designed to support real-world needs such as insurance, probate processes, charitable donations, and collection planning. Each assignment is approached with the aim of producing well-supported, defensible valuations while fostering thoughtful connections between people and the artworks they value.
All appraisal reports are prepared in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and are suitable for submission to insurance providers, courts, tax authorities, and cultural institutions in both Canada and the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a desktop valuation and a formal appraisal report?
A desktop valuation is a streamlined, remote evaluation that provides an informed opinion of value based on images and information you submit. It's ideal for straightforward, single-item inquiries when a formal report isn't required. A formal appraisal report is a comprehensive, USPAP-compliant document with thorough market research, prepared for specific purposes like insurance, estate planning, or charitable donations, and suitable for submission to courts, tax authorities, and insurers.
What information do you need for a remote valuation?
For desktop valuations, we need clear photographs of the artwork (full front view, signature close-up, and back if accessible), the artist's name, medium, measurements, and any available provenance such as labels, receipts, or certificates. The more complete and high-quality the information provided, the more accurate the valuation can be.
Do you work with estates, probate, and insurance needs?
Yes. Estate appraisals provide independent fair market value assessments for estate planning, probate, and tax reporting in accordance with CRA and IRS regulations. Insurance and damage claim appraisals support coverage verification and claims following loss, theft, or destruction. All reports are USPAP-compliant, research-driven, and suitable for submission to legal counsel, courts, tax authorities, and insurance providers.
Can you manage large collections or provide collection services?
Yes. Collections management services provide professional oversight for private and institutional collections of any scale. This includes developing and maintaining accurate inventories, advising on documentation and condition considerations, coordinating conservation or specialist referrals, reviewing insurance coverage and valuation needs, and assisting with strategic planning including acquisitions, dispersals, or future transitions.
Are your appraisals compliant with Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board requirements?
Yes. When a charitable donation is intended for certification by the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB), appraisals are prepared with careful attention to Board requirements, including thorough research, transparent reasoning, and clear support for the concluded value. Each appraisal is designed to withstand review and support the certification process for objects of cultural property significance.
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
We are located in Kingston, Ontario, and primarily serve the Eastern Ontario region for in-person appraisals and collection management. Desktop valuations are available remotely for clients located anywhere, offering a practical solution when distance or circumstances make in-person evaluation unnecessary.
