CURATOR Asset Management

CURATOR Asset Management, working with a team of respected specialists and an international network, provides professional appraisal documents for insurance coverage, damage and loss claims, charitable or cultural property donation, estate planning and division of assets, determination of probate fees or capital gains tax, bankruptcy and divorce or partnership dissolution.

Appraisals are conducted by qualified personal property appraisers, professionally trained in appraisal theory, principles, procedures, ethics and law. All reports prepared comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) of the Appraisal Foundation and the Appraisal Report Writing Standard of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA).

Our collection management and curatorial services include the inventory and documentation of works of art which is an important step in maintaining and preserving a collection. A comprehensive inventory with detailed information records the history of the work, is invaluable in case of damage or theft, and can be useful if the object is sold or donated in the future.

When documenting a collection, we conduct a physical inventory, take digital photographs and record critical identifying information using Object ID (www.object-id.com), the international standard for identifying works of art developed by the Getty Institute in conjunction with museums, the art industry, appraisal organizations, insurance companies and police. The data we collect is then recorded in an appropriate database for the documentation of collections.

Collections routinely require care and maintenance to ensure their safety and preservation. We provide cost-efficient inspection programs and provide condition reports and conservation recommendations and coordinate any required cleaning, reframing or relocation. When restoration is required, we recommend the services of qualified professionals with relevant specialized expertise.

Archival framing is critical to maintaining the condition and value of works of art and reframing can rejuvenate an art collection. We work with experienced framers who are knowledgeable about the proper framing methods and materials to ensure the preservation of your collection.

When there is a question with regard to the authenticity of an object, we arrange for the appropriate expert to make a determination as to its genuineness. Typically, this requires a physical examination by a recognized expert and may require scientific testing by an established facility like the Canadian Conservation Institute in Ottawa (www.cci-icc.gc.ca)

The correct placement and display of collections can be key to enhancing both the objects and the environment. Rotating items and providing a new perspective in a different location can revitalize a collection. We have extensive experience with location planning both for private residences and business offices.

We coordinate professional installers to ensure that your collection is properly and safely installed. In addition to standard installations, we can provide security installations to deter theft and minimize accidental damage.

For the display of unique art and artifacts, we arrange for the fabrication of custom designed cases, pedestals, plinths, boxes or presentation rails in a range of materials including marble, glass, acrylic, wood, iron and steel.

Appropriate lighting can both enhance a collection and ensure its preservation. Too much light or the wrong type of lighting can cause irreparable damage. We will assess lighting levels for both conservation and display and make recommendations for changes in wattage and fixtures as required.