Navigating the art market can feel intimidating. Between unfamiliar terminology, shifting market trends and headlines of record-breaking auction results, many collectors are left wondering how to accurately value artworks they own or have inherited.
Whether for insurance, estate planning, or a potential sale, understanding the true value of an artwork is an essential first step.
Strauss & Co, Africa’s leading auction house, offers free, confidential valuations of fine art with no obligation to sell. Collectors in KuGompo City will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Ian Hunter, Strauss & Co’s Senior Art Specialist and Eastern Cape and Garden Route Representative, at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery on August 6 (by appointment only) to receive a professional, market-related valuation of their artworks.
According to Hunter, collectors seek valuations for a wide range of reasons.
“Some clients need accurate appraisals for insurance or estate purposes, others are considering selling at auction, and many are simply curious about the history and value of an artwork they own. A valuation helps provide clarity and peace of mind.”
Provenance of an artwork is hugely important as it establishes the chain of ownership back to its creation date.
It considers for whom the piece was commissioned, and whether it has featured in any important art exhibitions.
Art validators use provenance to establish the authenticity and value of an artwork.
Choosing a trusted and established auction house for valuations ensures collectors receive an informed, current and transparent assessment aligned with the market.
When artworks are offered for sale with realistic and well-researched estimates, the chances of a successful result are greatly improved.
The Eastern Cape has long occupied an important place in SA’s artistic story. From early landscape painters Thomas Baines, Thomas Bowler and Frederick I’Ons, who documented the region’s frontier landscapes and colonial life, to the influential art schools at Makhanda, Gqeberha, Dikeni and KuGompo City, the province has nurtured generations of artists whose works continue to command strong interest among collectors. These institutions helped shape some of the country’s most respected artists and educators, while movements such as the Grahamstown Group further cemented the region’s reputation as a centre of artistic excellence.
The Eastern Cape remains one of SA’s richest collecting regions, with works by artists such as George Pemba, Gladys Mgudlandlu, Cecil Skotnes, Norman Catherine, Jack Lugg, Walter Battiss, Neil Rodger and Dorothy Kay still attracting significant demand at auction.
“Many important artworks remain in private homes, often passed down through generations, making valuation days an opportunity for owners to better understand the history, significance and current market value of works in their collections and, where appropriate, explore the possibility of offering them for sale. We are particularly interested in handling established South African artists who have a proven gallery track record and resultant auction following,” Hunter said.
Strauss & Co offers several ways to have artworks valued, including online submissions, email inquiries, private consultations and in-person valuation days.
Ways to have your artworks valued:
Online: Submit images and details via the Strauss & Co valuation portal: https://www.straussart.co.za/valuations
Email: Send images and measurements to jhb@straussart.co.za or ct@straussart.co.za
Valuation Day: Ann Bryant Art Gallery, 9 St Marks Road, Southernwood, August 6, from 9.30am-3pm
A donation of R20 per item in aid of the Friends of the Ann Bryant Art Gallery. To book your slot: https://www.straussart.co.za/event/art-valuation-day-east-london www.straussart.co.za
