Graham Modern & Contemporary curates personal art collections for clients, compiling all-round representative collections, comprising of quality works by major South African artists. Collections are usually assessed annually and clients will be advised as to how artists are performing in the market and the best way to continue developing their collection.

The value of portfolio management lies largely in the objective view given to your collection, its focus and the criteria used to define the collection. Acquisitions that are of a more decorative quality and are not for strong historical and artistic significance can be identified and purchases which experts believe have little possibility for positive growth can be avoided.

As an occasional art enthusiast or devoted art collector, Graham Modern & Contemporary can add to your appreciation of the visual arts. Art Portfolio Management is a comprehensive service including the valuation of art works, the assessment of the collection as a whole, specialist advice on the advancement of the collection, the acquisition of new works and assistance concerning the sale of the artworks.

Valuation of Artworks
The value of an artwork is affected by the forces of supply and demand, the current art market, the merit of the individual artist and the specific work, the condition of the work, the artist’s composition, perspective, brushwork, technique, palette, subject matter and the period in which it was created. Each work in a collection will be individually assessed. Valuations can be used for both inheritance and insurance purposes. Artworks are also catalogued as part of the valuation process. This document will assist the collector to establish a tactical approach to any further purchases and also provide an important record of the collection.

Assessment of the Collection
The complete valuation portfolio issued to assess the collection in terms of the investment potential of each work as well as the general direction, focus or vision which the client has in terms of the collection.

Specialist Advise
Graham Modern & Contemporary specialists will consult with clients, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of their collections. Specialists also offer advice and information on the art market and will provide collectors with background information on artists and works which are of interest to them. If a collector is interested in the work of a specific artist, school, style, movement or period specialists will assist in building a significant and valuable collection which reflects the interest of the collector.

Acquisition and Sale of Artworks
Advice is given on the acquisition of artworks which will enhance a collection and acquisition opportunities are identified locally and internationally. Graham Modern & Contemporary will also assist in the sale of works which no longer contribute to a collection or which the client has decided they no longer wish to keep. Furthermore, Graham Modern & Contemporary will assist clients in general matters pertaining to their collections, including the storage of works, the transportation of works, providing loans to exhibitions and insurance.

The Portfolio
A valuation portfolio will consist of the following: Colour images of each artwork Empirical data for each artwork Any other research findings for each artwork (e.g. where exhibited, referenced or illustrated and the provenance of the work) A condition report for each artwork A condition report for each frame Gross estimated value Nett retail value Insurance replacement value A table giving an overall view of the collection and its worth

Artworks are individually assessed and valued.
A valuation will consist of the following:

An image of the artwork
Empirical data for the artwork
Any other research findings on the artwork (e.g. where exhibited, referenced or illustrated)
A condition report on the artwork
A condition report on the frame
Gross estimated value
Nett retail value

The conservation of an artwork refers to treatment which preserves the art object for future generations, while the restoration of an artwork refers to treatment which makes the artwork aesthetically presentable with the artist’s original labour readable.

The expert conservation and restoration of an artwork prolongs its life span and in so doing its capital and cultural worth.

Examination and Authenticity testsThe Natural Scientific Examinations of Fine Art objectsprovide the meansto analyse the material,reveal the age of a paint layer,former changes, overpaintings and e.g. later added signatures.They therefore can reveal the difference between an original and a possibly faked painting.Following Examinations can be offered: Examination in UV light ( UVA 400nm –UVC 266 nm)Purpose: Detection of recent retouchings, overpaintings , identification of varnishes, binding media and pigments Limitations: Although UV Flourescence is a very useful tool for identification, caution should be taken when drawing conclusions based only on this examination only. It may easily misinterpreted , or produce misleading results due to age, varnishes, dirt or other fluorescent materials underneath. Further testing with the other listed examinations (Stereomicroscopy, IR, X-ray etc. may be required to increase the significance of the result and interpretation. IR Reflectography ( 780nm)Purpose: Detection of overpainted sketches, preconcepts etc. X-Ray ExaminationPurpose: Concept changes (including underlaying layers, pentimenti etc.), detection of abrasions, holes Steromicroscopical Examination x 200Purpose: e.g. Detection of ageing cracks, identification of canvasfibre Graham Modern & Contemporary provides a high level of conservation services for artworks in South Africa. Using highly qualified conservators, we ensure that artworks are conserved and when necessary, restored with attention to the finest detail.

A professional conservator will take into account the following areas in the restoration and conservation of a painting:
Cleaning Application of new varnish
Repairing holes and tears
Re-stretching and smoothing of the canvas
The repair and flaking and loose areas of paint, as well as any other possible problems with the work that could have been caused by environmental conditions and various other factors

Causes of obstruction to the original beauty of an oil painting:
The accumulation of surface dirt
Sediments of smoke, nicotine, dust
Fly droppings, paint and substance spilling
Yellowed or discolored varnish
Over-paint
Badly executed or aged previous restoration attempts
Disintegrated varnish and over-paint removal

Causes of structural damage to a painting:
Cupping, tenting or flaking ground and paint layers.
Losses of ground and paint layers might have occurred already
The canvas could have lost its original tension, which sooner or later can lead to all sorts of structural damages.
The canvas might even be torn.

When artworks need to be restored:
An artwork that is in good condition should be examined approximately every 5 years while works that have had major restoration should be assessed on a more regular basis.
Works on canvas must have tension controlled to avoid bulges and lax tension in the frame.
This can be monitored by the collector and should be assessed regularly to avoid slackness in the canvas occurring.
It is a vital aspect to owning an artwork that it be cared for correctly and conserved for future generations to enjoy.

Quality, handmade frames to complement an artwork
Graham Modern & Contemporary offers specialised framing for all paintings and artworks on paper. The correct framing of an artwork not only adds to the aesthetics of an artwork, but also conserves the condition of the artwork for future generations.
Artworks are conservation handled to ensure no damage is caused to the artwork during framing.
Custom made frames are sincere and subtle, each frame is hand painted to complement the artwork.
All frames are made from the finest quality materials, no synthetic materials are used and frames are all solid wood.
Works on paper are framed to international museum framing standard, using acid-free museum conservation mount and backing board and non-reflective glass, which blocks out over 90% of UV rays can also be used.
The secret to an effective frame is not to overwhelm the painting, but to frame is so that it highlights the artwork’s best qualities.
It should be a perfect marriage that creates a unity of object. The frame should complement the painting as if the artist selected it.