Technology is more than the right high-tech tools and software, it is a process that begins with a need and ends with a solution. Whether you are overwhelmed by disorganized paperwork, wondering how to begin a long-overdue inventory, or worried about the condition and location of valuable art assets, we have the experience to plan and execute a solution that works for you.
Following in brief are some of the challenges we've met in our years of experience working with collectors and their advisors.
- A collector inherited a set of about two hundred individual Rolodex cards typed and carefully filed by his father's private secretary as the family's important collection of mid-century masterpieces was amassed, circa 1960. JWSC scanned each card to create a single searchable, reproducible, digital document. This allows the irreplaceable artifact to be preserved away from light and handling while the extended family shares easy access to the essential information therein. A complete digital inventory was also created after all works on site were inspected and photographed: the collector now enjoys an illustrated catalogue updated annually as well as the fun of digitally touring the original inventory created almost fifty years ago.
- After a lifetime of collecting, a gentleman called on JWSC to gather and organize hundreds of art-related documents. In addition to inspecting, photographing, and cataloguing more than 300 works of art, we organized, scanned, and created an archive for all invoices, appraisals, personal correspondence with artists, magazine and newspaper clippings, auction notices, and related ephemera. The collector now enjoys an annual illustrated catalogue and an archive finding guide to assist in the easy navigation of his related materials stored securely in light-proof acid-free document boxes in his private library.
- An important collector realized their long-time family insurance broker was out of his depth when it came to sophisticated coverage for a growing art collection. JWSC interviewed and recommended a specialist to restructure the art policy replacing the insurance company's out-dated schedule with the collector's own illustrated inventory kept on file with the new broker. Because a JWSC databased inventory is constantly updated, reports and schedules are always current. Working with the original insurance company, the specialist broker put in place streamlined coverage for "new buys," and broadened terms to give the owner greater flexibility and confidence. In addition, excellent record-keeping and prompt detailed reporting by JWSC resulted in reduced premium charges in the first year and every subsequent year. (Read more about our work with fine art insurance specialists in "Advantages" or click here.)
- The attorney for a prominent collector approached JWSC with the need to convert an oversized spreadsheet inventory to a professional database. Working closely with the collector and their legal team, JWSC inspected, measured, and photographed works of art in five different locations (residences and warehouses), scanned original invoices and appraisals, and cross-checked the legacy spreadsheet. The JWSC databased inventory can now easily track location moves, multiple values, unlimited imaging, and complex notations to capture the owner's extensive experience and assist with plans for gifting and trust planning.