Private Sales
Discreet, direct sales of works of art outside the auction calendar.
Kew Auctions arranges private sales for clients who would like to discuss selling or buying a work outside a scheduled auction. An agreed asking price and a confidential approach to prospective buyers can suit an object or a collection where the seller has particular requirements.
How a private sale begins
Send a description, photographs, dimensions and any known provenance to our team. Tell us whether you have a particular timescale in mind. We can then discuss the work, the information needed to assess it and whether a private sale or an upcoming auction is a suitable route.
For a private sale, our team assesses the work, agrees an asking price with the seller and presents it confidentially to selected buyers. Kew Auctions acts as agent through the transaction. Please confirm the proposed commission, any other costs, payment arrangements and collection requirements with us before proceeding.
Information to prepare when selling
- Clear photographs of the whole object, its reverse or base, and any signatures, marks or labels.
- Dimensions, material and a description of visible damage or previous restoration.
- Receipts, earlier catalogue entries, exhibition records or other documents relating to its ownership history.
- Your contact details and any preferences about timing.
Buying privately
If you are seeking a particular artist, period or type of object, tell us about your interests and budget. We maintain a register of client wants and can contact you when a suitable work becomes available. Availability depends on the works offered by sellers.
Ask for the available provenance, condition information and an opportunity to view before deciding. Confirm the full purchase cost and transport arrangements for the individual work. Our departments show the areas we handle, from Islamic and Indian art to European paintings, antiquities and decorative objects.
