Foreword
Every collection tells a story , the question is, whose story is it telling? Define your collecting mission early: cultural preservation, personal enjoyment, legacy building, or investment. Your purpose will determine what you buy, how you care for it, and how you eventually sell or bequeath it.
A collection’s value can evaporate without proof of authenticity and provenance. Keep
meticulous records , invoices, certificates, appraisals, restoration notes, exhibition history. A
well-documented item not only commands higher prices but moves faster in competitive sales.
Markets for tangible assets are cyclical. Selling into the right season, year, or even week can mean a double-digit percentage difference in results. Auction calendars, global events, and collector trends all impact timing , and misjudging it can be a costly mistake.
Proper care extends beyond dusting and display. Wine and spirits need controlled environments, cars require regular operation and servicing, art demands appropriate climate control and light exposure. Neglect is not only visible , it’s quantifiable at auction.
Many advisors and dealers have hidden incentives that don’t align with your best outcome. Seek guidance from professionals who are paid only by you, with no commissions or side deals from auction houses, galleries, or other intermediaries.
Before you buy, consider how , and where , you might sell. Certain categories, periods, and makers thrive in specific markets or houses. Buying with an eventual exit in mind ensures liquidity and maximizes your return when that time comes.
A portfolio of tangible assets should balance passion with prudence. Complement high-volatility segments (contemporary art, rare wines) with stable legacy categories (impressionist works, historically significant jewelry, blue-chip watches). Diversification protects against market shocks.
Whether consigning to auction or selling privately, never accept standard contracts at face value. Commission rates, photography fees, marketing commitments, and payment timelines are all negotiable , but only before you sign.
Over the next two decades, trillions in tangible assets will change hands. Heirs often have different tastes, timelines, and liquidity needs. Planning now , with governance, valuations, and sale strategies , can prevent disputes and preserve value when transitions occur.
For many collectors, the story doesn’t end with a hammer fall. Museum loans, curated sales, branded catalogues, or philanthropic donations can extend the cultural life of your collection, enhancing your legacy while delivering financial or tax advantages.
A great collection is never an accident. It’s the product of informed choices, disciplined care,
and strategic execution. At Insight, we combine insider knowledge of the auction world with
independent, client-first advocacy , ensuring your assets are positioned, marketed, and sold to
their maximum potential.
INSIGHT ART & COLLECTIBLES ADVISORY
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