We can provide historical documentary and materials analysis information in support of where an Artwork has been, what an Artwork is or is not. The data we process and contextualise in our Reports is the information that is presented to the Client.

The definition of 'reliable' – consistently good in quality or performance, able to be trusted (ref: Oxford Languages)

The definition of 'evidence' – the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition (a statement or assertion that expresses a judgement or opinion) is true or valid. (ref: Oxford Languages)

The Art Market unfortunately is an unregulated space and the quality of the research offered is of varying degrees of quality. Historical research is notorious for being riddled with 'expert' opinions. Artworks travel through time on a wave of published and unpublished whispers. We found that testing the information published in traditionally formatted Catalogue Raisonné's deeply problematic with regards to accurate statements of what are considered 'facts' by the wider art market. Therefore; our firms core principle is to report on contextualised records and to enable these records to be cross-checked by third parties. Our reporting methodology is structured, the reported Evidence clearly referenced.

Our verifiable data is protected by security protocols from the data processing to data Reporting. These protocols are built to safeguard the historical documentary data or scientific materials analysis data and the contextualisation of these datasets. The security measures the firm uses are to ensure that our reports cannot be manipulated or misappropriated. As such our reports are trusted and integral to protect an artwork's supporting records . More information can be found here where there is a section on 'Why Document Security is Paramount.'

No. The Archive and Library is privately held. This is to insure data security for the projects the firm is involved with. We also have a duty of care to the Archives that have kindly allowed us to access sensitive records. We are happy to assist researchers and curators with their enquiries about the type of information we have analysed and how it can be used.

There are a number of things you can do as an artwork seller or buyer to optimise the sales process of an artwork whilst making sure you are aware of any authentication or restitution related risks you may be exposed to. Enhance your knowledge of the supporting documentation that accompanies the artwork by performing quality due diligence checks:

Assess the Artwork for the potential Restitution Risks it may pose find out more here https://www.lootedartclaims.com/Certificate.html

Assess the imaging, provenance, exhibition, literature and public sales information to ensure it is accurate – contact us to request a rapid assessment.

Optimise your Negotiation position by understanding how estimated valuations are made – contact us to request a valuation assessment.

Yes. We can provide a Restitution Risk Profile Certificate that measures the risk the artwork may pose to you as a potential new owner. The Certificate provides a analysis of the artwork regarding where it was during the period 1933-45. For more information visit https://www.lootedartclaims.com/Certificate.html

We can also review and run a basic test on the published provenance, exhibitions and literature mentioned in the materials that accompany the artwork. These basic tests show up potential red-flags any interested buyer should be aware of.

Both types of testing are time efficient and are completed within 20 working days.

Our standard rate for Research Services is 125 CHF p/h, our research proposals provide Clients with clearly defined aims and objectives, time scale and fees. We do not conduct 'how long is a piece of string' research practices.

Restitution Assist Services are quoted to suit the complex requirements of each individual artwork and the potential case circumstances. In certain situations cases maybe considered on a consignment basis.

The Galerie Thannhauser Archive will consider ALL artworks traded by Thannhauser. We have successfully completed in-depth Reports on other artists that passed through the gallery. So the best course of action is to discuss it with us and see how we can be of assistance.

The Galerie Vollard Archive will consider only artworks by the artists listed on our Artists page.

The Carroll Carstairs Gallery / Carstairs Gallery Archive collects data from ANY Artists and from ANY artwork that has ANY type of provenance and /or verso details associated with this gallery. Please see the types of labels / numerical formats associated with artworks visible on the Carstairs Gallery Archive page.

It is always desired to physically see the artwork, however this is not always possible. The need to see the artwork also depends upon the type of research being requested. If the artwork is being required to support authentication it is highly likely that one of our team will have to physically see the artwork. If the proposal is related to recovery of provenance related data, as long as fully qualifiable information is provided to us to meet our data security and data processing protocols*, we can release a Research Proposal.

*Data security is required to insure that an accurate statement can be made from our archives. It is necessary to make sure that the artwork represented is as fully represented as possible in the details being provided (short of being able to physically see it). This is so that close up images can be identified on full images of the same artwork in order to qualify the data for testing.

You can submit a request at the bottom of this page and one of our team will arrange to discuss your request.

At the moment we do not offer internships, but this may change in the future depending on the growth of our projects.

Our projects are self-funded. It is thanks to the Clients, and their Artworks that have placed their trust in us to conduct research that we are able to fund our projects. We do not seek outside investment. Our interest is in creating sustainable projects that continuously build and enrich their data. Projects are strategically chosen to bring enhanced value to the Artists, the Cultural Sector and Art Market practitioners.