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David Knowles - Independent Art Advisory Services

David Knowles is the founder and creative director of Artelier, recently featured on Spears Magazine’s list of Outstanding Art Advisors, David is recognised as a leader in the industry among independent art advisors and consultants.


David Knowles, Founder of Artelier

David’s expertise and unique approach has set a new standard for excellence in art advisory.

For over two decades, he has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between exceptional artistic talent and discerning art collectors. Prior to founding Artelier, David pioneered several Arts Council England-funded galleries and projects that continue to prosper emerging artists and young curators.


Artelier is recognised for it’s unique approach to art advising, working directly with contemporary artists to commission bespoke artworks, making each collection completely unique and original. Artelier also has a dedicated ‘Art Concierge’ service for private collectors looking for access to the art world and investment grade pieces.




What Does an Art Advisory Do?

An art advisory is specialised in providing expert guidance in the acquisition of art for both private and corporate collectors. Each art advisory firm will have it’s own area of expertise however most will offer investment guidance, collection management, art fair tours and art handling assistance. What may greatly vary is the type of art the advisory is specialised in; some may be experts in contemporary art while others will have an art history degree and be specialised in anything from Renaissance to Modernist art, from African Sculptures to Japanese prints.




Artelier’s Unique Approach To Art Advisory

Artelier has built a reputation for commissioning entirely bespoke art collections for both private clients and large corporate projects including for hotels, private planes, super-yachts and public art initiatives. 


Unique Art Commissioning Process


Artelier's commissioning process typically begins with an in-depth research into the most appropriate artists for the project. With a database of over 15000 carefully selected contemporary artists, as well as in-depth art market research, the team of curators at Artelier will be looking for exceptional artworks, that resonate with the client in a meaningful way. The selected artists will then be in constant communication with a dedicated art advisor, who will oversee the completion of each artwork. Artelier’s project managers can then provide a full art handling service, including shipping, framing and final installation.


Discover a selection of recently completed projects, from a private plane to corporate art collections, to hotel art .






"David’s knowledge and professionalism delivered an inspiring corporate art collection. It perfectly represented the values of our firm and complimented the meticulous design of our new office space." Numis, London

An Artist’s Perspective


An artist himself, David’s approach to art consultancy has always come from a genuine love and passion for fine art. For over a decade he has carefully researched and documented the best contemporary artists working today, reviewing art portfolios, visiting art fairs, attending private viewings and researching galleries. During this time David and his team have documented and categorised the best contemporary artists working today, an ever evolving database of over 15,000 artists.


Working with an art curator with deep artistic knowledge will always lead to a cohesive and meaningful curated collection. The team at Artelier specialises in assessing the quality and authenticity of a work,  helping to avoid overvalued or inauthentic pieces.The final works not only reflect the client's vision and aesthetic but also hold significant artistic and cultural value, resulting in a bespoke curated collections that will be cherished for years to come.




Art Concierge Service - Access The Art World


For clients interested in art investment Artelier provides an ‘Art Concierge’ service helping private collectors access unique and hard-to-find pieces. Through extensive art market research, as well as an extensive network of private dealers, gallerists, art consultants and artists, Artelier ensures that clients acquire valuable and sought-after artworks, enhancing their collection’s investment potential.


As well as providing access, Artelier’s ‘Art Concierge’ service offers expert advice and support throughout the entire art investment journey. Through this flag-ship service both new and seasoned art collectors can benefit from the experience of working directly with a dedicated art consultant. 




Benefits of Hiring an Art Advisor


Elevated Art Collections

Finding a truly special artist in a sea of art takes a certain dedication and a strong eye for detail. A private collector can easily be influenced by a persuasive gallerist or dealer not knowing that there are often stronger works that can at times be more reasonably priced. An art advisor has dedicated their career to art portfolio reviews, finding truly original art, understanding art market value as well as knowing where to source the highest calibre pieces to elevate their client’s collections. 


Long-Term Partnerships

A relationship with an art advisor should be like a fine wine, only getting better over time. Building  that  lasting partnership with someone who understands your evolving tastes and goals, can provide you with the continuous support and advice you need as your collection grows . Finding partners you can truly trust in the art world can be challenging, developing a long-term relationship with a trusted art advisor can ensure your collection is managed with your best interest in mind. 


Personalised Artwork Selections

Understanding your unique project, taste, requirements and objectives is the goal of an art advisor. An art advisory’s role is therefore to curate art collections that reflect the client's unique perspective, this is different to other types of art professionals who will have a vested interest in promoting particular artists. The result of this type of partnership should be a personalised fine art collection that you can connect with on many levels. 


Exclusive Access

Most art advisors will be able to give their client access to the art market in a way that may not be possible otherwise. Whether it is a discrete service to view an important sculpture or painting privately, access to the private sale of an Andy Warhol or David Hockney. Building the right relationships with the right people can take years for a private individual and so partnering with an art advisor with the right network and extensive experience can give immediate access to the right circles.


 


How to Choose the Right Art Advisors


Choosing the right art advisor will first and foremost depend on the type of art you are looking to collect. Each art advisory will have their area of expertise, whether that be contemporary artists, or a particular period in art history. Discover our list of Top 40 Art Advisors by Genre to find the right advisor.


Credentials and experience:

Most art advisors will have years of industry experience, as well as an art history or fine art degree. They should have a proven track record in their corner of the art world and will have often worked for auction houses such as Sotheby’s or Christies or a reputable gallery such as Hauser and Wirth. 


Alignment with your goals:

Whether you are looking to build a corporate art collection or are looking for assistance with a public art initiative, the right art advisory will understand your goals and will know how to achieve them. If you are interested in commissioning contemporary artists, find a consultant who has done this for previous clients, if you are after unique photography or an old master work with the right person who is an expert in this field.


Compatibility and trust: 

Sometimes finding the right art advisory firm comes down to a personal connection with the art curator or art consultant you will be working with. Having a strong working relationship will make the process of acquiring art, infinitely more enjoyable. Choosing which art consultants to work with therefore ultimately comes down to compatibility and trust.



Frequently Asked Questions


How much do art advisors charge?

Art advisory services can be either charged as a percentage of the sale of the artworks, an hourly fee or a combination of both depending on the project scope. Hiring an art consultant on an hourly basis or retainer for longer-term projects frees the advisor to review artworks that are in the client’s best interest unlike a gallery or art dealer who may represent specific artists. 


How to hire an art advisor?

Hiring an art advisor often starts with an initial consultation, followed by a series of discussions around your exact needs. The consultant will then present you with their fee estimate as well as a contractual agreement before beginning the work. Depending on what your needs are, whether you need contemporary art for a private residence or a sculpture for a public art installation, a proposal document will be prepared for you to review and make your selection.



"Artelier selected the perfect artist for our public art project. I have already recommended Artelier to colleagues for their outstanding work, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with them on future projects." - Southern Housing Group

Need some advice?

 

If you are looking for an art advisory that takes the time to understand your goals, interests and personal aesthetic, Artelier can provide a bespoke service tailored to meet your unique needs. With over two decades of experience and a genuine love of art David Knowles, founder of Artelier is considered a leader in the industry. Discover more about our services here or get in touch to schedule your free consultation today. 

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