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APPRAISALS

  • Photography

    Prints and works on paper

    Canadian art

    American art 

    Western European art 

    19th to 21st Century art

    Paintings

    Sculpture and mixed media

    Digital media 

  • There are no provincial or federal laws or licensing for personal property appraisers. It is incumbent upon the public to engage a trusted professional. Choosing a qualified appraiser, someone who is accredited or certified with a recognized professional appraisal association, assures they've been trained and tested to the highest ethical standards in the industry. 

    Focal Point produces appraisals to USPAP compliancy. The Appraisal Foundation publishes The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which is regarded as the recognized ethical and performance standard for the appraisal profession in North America.

    The Canada Revenue Agency uses USPAP compliancy to measure appraisals as acceptable for tax purposes.

    There are three recognized professional appraisal organizations in North America; the AAA, the ASA and the ISA. The ISA (www.isa-appraisers.org) is the largest personal property appraisal organization in North America and the most recognized in Canada. Focal Point appraisers are trained members of ISA and undergo re-qualification and peer reviews every five years.

  • We provide a free 30-minute initial client consultation.

    For appraisals, fees vary by the number and complexity of items being appraised, and type of report required. For collection consultation and management, fees vary by the type of work required and the anticipated duration of the project. After the initial client consultation, we will provide a personalized estimate for your appraisal project. We charge on either an hourly basis or project flat fee. No fees are charged until you decide to move forward with our services.

    The cost of appraisal services is never contingent upon predetermined values or a percentage of appraised values — this ensures unbiased and objective value conclusions free of any conflicts of interest.

  • Appraisers are not authenticators. Appraisers customarily work under the assumption that the works of art they are appraising are authentic — or have been authenticated. If you are not certain of the authenticity of your art, we can connect you with specialists who can provide authentication services.

    Focal Point also provides the additional service of provenance research that can help you ascertain the authenticity and history of your artworks.

  • Yes. While we always prefer to physically inspect and photograph appraised objects, depending on the quality of images supplied and the intended use of the appraisal it is possible to appraise certain artworks remotely with sufficient digital documentation. Virtual appraisals cannot be used for legal purposes, federal tax functions, or insurance purposes.

  • During your initial request provide as much information about the artworks/objects and the requirements and needs for the appraisal. During our initial consultation we will discuss the terms and scope of work, including whether a physical inspection of the items is needed.

    During inspection, each of the items to be appraised will be carefully inspected, measured, and photographed. It is recommended to take the following steps prior to the inspection date:

    • Ensure that items located in difficult to reach places (attics, basements, storage, closets, and outbuildings etc.) are open and accessible for inspection.

    • If possible, remove artwork from walls and frames for inspection and photographing. Unpack or unwrap any items that are in drawers, trunks, boxes, crates that you wish to have examined.

    • Ensure there is adequate lighting to conduct the inspection.

    • Gather documentation: condition reports, receipts, sales slips, provenance research, or earlier appraisals and place them near the appropriate items, particularly if this is being done for insurance coverage.

    For remote appraisals, which do not require physical inspection, providing the appraiser with quality and detailed photos of the artworks (both front and back) are imperative. Details on the front or back of pieces including signature, gallery labels, markings, foundry marks, or other identifying marks are also important.

COLLECTIONS

  • During your initial request provide as much information about your collection and management needs. During our initial consultation we will discuss the terms and scope of work, including whether a physical inspection of the items is needed.

    During inspection, each item in your collection will be carefully inspected, measured, and photographed. It is recommended to take the following steps prior to the inspection date:

    • Ensure that items located in difficult to reach places (attics, basements, storage, closets, and outbuildings etc.) are open and accessible for inspection.

    • If possible, remove artwork from walls and frames for inspection and photographing. Unpack or unwrap any items that are in drawers, trunks, boxes, crates that you wish to have examined.

    • Ensure there is adequate lighting to conduct the inspection.

    • Gather documentation: condition reports, receipts, sales slips, provenance research, or earlier appraisals and place them near the appropriate items, particularly if this is being done for insurance coverage.

    • Details on the front or back of pieces including signature, gallery labels, markings, foundry marks, or other identifying marks are also important.

  • After initial consultations, Focal Point will curate a detailed art proposal which responds to your specific vision, project, and site. The proposal will outline market research including auction forecasting, dealer sourcing, and commissioning of artwork directly from artists. With your feedback, Focal Point will tailor a detailed plan to suit client passions and needs that outlines achievable timelines and management of the unique logistics of your project.

  • Focal Point works with clients to advise on curating and growing art collections in addition to management of works already in your collections. At Focal Point, we view collection consulting and management as distinct yet complimentary services.

    Our extensive knowledge of the art market helps clients bring their artistic visions to life, whether it involves commissioning a standout piece of contemporary art or curating a bespoke art collection. Art consultancy services become especially crucial for large collections and institutional collections that need to balance show stopping works with a cohesive collection built along institutional mandates or personal passion. As collection managers, Focal Point works to oversee every aspect of the art curation and inventory process to ensure a hassle-free experience and peace of mind for clients.

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