Best-In-Class Services
We are a one-stop solution for art and collectibles services for local, national and international needs.
Our clients include the top insurance carriers, remediation companies, art collectors, galleries, interior designers, museums and other institutions.
We offer best-in-class services. If an assignment requires a particular expertise and knowledge that is best available outside our company, we will partner with top professionals to deliver a superior outcome. Our Project Managers will ensure all is done as expected providing peace of mind.
What to Expect
Whether we are contacted by an art owner, insurance adjuster, contractor, interior designer, or a real estate agent, we will do the following:
- Listen to your request to understand your needs.
- We will advise on how to proceed, making you aware of best practices and your options
- In the DFW area, we can schedule a free walkthrough, if needed, to view the art and ascertain its condition.
- To start the pack out and subsequent work, we will need a Work Authorization form signed.
- Transport and store the art in a climate-controlled environment per your request.
- Arrange for an evaluation if the art is damaged. Proceed with restoration upon approval.
- Invoices will be sent for payment prior to scheduling delivery
- Upon delivery, we can hang or install the art.
- Any restored art will carry a one-year warranty on the work done.
Packout and
Crating
It starts with people. Our team is composed of artists who understand the care that must be taken when relocating art and items of emotional value. They all have degrees in art.
Our experts use industry best practices and have experience moving all types of objects, from paintings and sculptures to rugs and personal items. We understand when to use acid free supplies, what materials can damage a painting, what tools to use, and how to properly pack any item.
Our team can create custom crating or, if hard crating is not needed, utilize soft crating techniques. They identify the best option to keep costs under control while taking every precaution to properly secure your artwork. We select the right packaging for each item so our customers get the best protection for the best price.
Our team will be prepared to use the right equipment to pack and move the items. For more complicated artwork, our art-moving professionals will determine if a pallet jack, crane, or scaffold tower is needed to most safely relocate your items.
Disinfecting and Deodorizing
Hydroxyl or Ozone treatments are the common odor removers. And while ozone is definitely faster, hydroxyls are substantially better for all sensitive materials like rubber, plastic, leather, vinyl, electronics, paper and artworks. Contents can be wet without the risk of bleaching.
- When used to deal with bacteria, viruses, mold, fumes, gases, vapors and nasty odors, the hydroxyl radicals react and destroy the chemicals that cause them.
- The hydroxyl treatment eliminates odors caused by protein fires, fuel oil, biohazard substances and sulfur compounds that are very difficult if not impossible to remove by other deodorants.
- Hydroxyls are among the most powerful oxidants in the world. This process eliminates the odor rather than covering or temporarily cleaning the air.
- Hydroxyls prevent any further bacteria growth and development. It will disinfect surfaces and kill mold it touches. However, mold growing beneath the surfaces will not be eliminated.
We use the best equipment available to create hydroxyl molecules and spread them throughout a contained area. This creates a chain reaction that continues disinfecting and killing odor.
Transportation and Shipping
We can move your art, memorabilia and precious items locally or ship them to any location you may require. We use lift-gate-equipped vehicles to transport your items. Virtually any request for national or international transport can be accommodated.
Our trucks offer a 92 in inside height to secure large paintings in a safe, vertical position. We also work with an extensive network of specialty art-moving companies. We can coordinate all kinds of transportation needs such as art fairs, traveling exhibitions and international shipping.
We also offer comprehensive declared value insurance coverage options to provide peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
Delivery and Installation
You can expect worry-free on-time delivery. We handle all logistics, including customs clearance for international shipments, so you can trust that your items will reach their destination safely and promptly.
We know your art and your treasured items may come in all shapes and sizes. Our art handlers are highly trained in placement assessment – thoroughly studying the object, hardware and supporting structure to identify inherent frailties before they begin any work.
We will manage the installation and deinstallation complexity of your pieces. We are aware how the location where they will be ultimately placed can influence the installation process. Our end goals are that your items are safe, secure, and that you are completely satisfied.
Climate-Controlled
Storage
Our facility is designed for the unique purpose of preserving artworks, memorabilia collections and a large variety of treasured items. We offer the following features:
- Temperature and humidity-controlled warehouse
- Multiple covered docks capable of accommodating tractor trailers
- Fire suppression system, including smoke detectors and heat-activated sprinklers, inspected and certified on a regular basis
- Custom-designed inventory management system provides optimal efficiency and security of objects
- Vertical racks for large paintings and works of art
- 24/7 security system
- Tall warehouse ceiling height
- Insurance available for collections while in storage
- Private vaults available upon request
Evaluation and Restoration
We partner with Markt Ludwig Art Studios to deliver proficient artistic expertise through excellence, knowledge and results. Art, heirloom, and memorabilia owners who want to preserve memories by restoring their damaged treasures are in great hands.
Some companies simply wipe an item and call it restored. Smoke and other contaminants are acidic. Unless an item is properly disassembled and handled, the invisible acid will continue to decay the piece making the damage worse. Other companies leave behind visible signs of repairs. Our goal is a flawless restoration where the repaid is virtually undetectable.
Their expertise covers restoration of items affected by a fire, ice storms, tornados, accidental breakage, and all types of destructive environments. The goal is to bring the item back to pre-peril condition. For this, it is critical to use the right techniques and the correct cleaning solutions to not damage the art.
Markt Ludwig’s has handled over a billion dollars’ worth of art. Their team is composed of restoration experts that understand conservation and restoration approaches. As a member of the American Institute for Conservation (A.I.C.), Markt Ludwig is engaged in constantly improving its outcomes and sharing techniques among the top conservators in the country.
Appraisals / Art value
We work with a network of professionals across the country to provide an accurate appraisal of your fine art from appraisers that have extensive expertise in the type of item you have. When you want to know the value of a work of art, we offer three options:
- Research – Comprehensive evaluation of your item with market analysis based on similar items or items by the same artist.
- Verbal opinion – This is case you may just want to get a rough estimate of value from a qualified appraiser
- Insurance appraisal – Detailed report includes replacement value, and value as-is if damaged specifically designed for insurance purposes.
Appraisal fees should never be based on the value of your property. This is a major conflict of interest for the appraiser, and will not be accepted by the IRS.
Our network of appraisers have a variety of qualifications:
- Follow Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
- Member of the International Society of Appraisers
- Certified by the Appraisers Association of America
We can also help you create a Provenance.
Collection Management
In our partnership with Markt Ludwig Art Studios, we offer collection management services. This incorporates a variety of functions involved in selecting, acquiring, storing, and maintaining collections in a cost-effective manner.
We record photos, artist, title, dimensions (also framed dimensions), inventory number, creation date, price, medium, subject matter, and condition to have a detailed catalog of the piece. We also include the purchase invoice with seller information and purchase date.
Maintaining collection information allows the art collector the ability to document the value of the collection for insurance, resale or donation purposes.
Curation / Purchase of Art
You will be getting the services of the art experts at Markt Ludwing Art Studios to find and purchase art that fits your collection. The curating services will assist you in presenting them to create a meaningful experience for your visitors.
We can help you find artists that complement your collection and assist in buying directly from them. We work at all price levels and with new and seasoned collectors. When purchasing art, consultations are complimentary, and we only charge a commission if a purchase is made.
We advise our clients on how best to showcase art in relationship to its environment and other artworks to create a visually cohesive and meaningful experience.
Our services include:
- Negotiate price and broker the transaction
- Budget management
- Advice on framing/matting, art placement, and installation
- Handling and shipping
- Insurance
- Restoration and conservation
- Appraisal
- Collection management
Preparation of Art for Sale
Selling art is all about creating a product people will want to buy. It needs to look right, have the right documents, and be priced properly.
Our services include:
- Restoration to address any damage that may be present to maximize the value of the item
- For a painting or work on paper you want to consider reframing and adding matting to enhance the presentation of the artwork
- Cleaning with proper solutions to not damage the item, and varnishing a painting if needed
- Package using archival-quality drytac film or acid-free tissue paper to wrap the artwork. Place it in a clear, sturdy plastic bag or proper container
- Documentation such the provenance or special instructions for hanging or displaying the item
- Pricing consultation to deliver the most revenue. Pricing depends on the uniqueness of the piece, the artist and the manner of sale.
Consignment Services
You can work with our Consignment Services to manage the sale of individual pieces or an entire collection, arranging consignment agreements with auction houses, bringing transparency and streamlining the whole process helping you save time and money.
We can consign fine art, including paintings, works on paper, photographs, sculptures, and collectibles, including memorabilia, watches, jewelry, and fine wine.
We can help you:
- Plan for a thoughtful and competitive sales strategy
- Negotiate Seller’s Agreement and financial terms
- Reduce/eliminate seller’s commission and fees
- Secure robust marketing and PR package
- Optimize the sale of their property at auction via a preferred selling channel
- Save time and money with preferred pricing on seller’s commissions and fees
- Receive sales strategy and independent advice throughout the auction process
- Generate liquidity to acquire more art or to raise capital for other opportunities
Our Partners
