How to /value/sell off original artwork and antique furniture?

[Earlybird]

Mum recently died, and we are currently trying to sort out various house contents.

There are several pieces of 'significant' original artwork, and some 'fine' antique furniture. It's lovely stuff, but does not fit with any of our lifestyles/homes, so the decision has been made to sell it off.

How should we go about making contact with professionals who might be interested in purchasing these items? How do we know what is a reasonable price? I've never really known how galleries and antique dealers acquire their 'stock'.....

Thanks for all advice.

How about contacting a local auction house? Whereabouts in the country are you?

Mum's house/contents are in a secondary city in America, so not easily accessible to auction houses - at least none that I am aware of.

But maybe there is the ability to judge from digital photos sent to the proper place/right people?

EB - ebay is a good research tool (really) if you have maker's/painter's names & dates.

Otherwise, will revert with dh's art website links when he answers the email I've just sent him!

If you think that any of the items are significant, then digital photos, plus size and condition info etc, could be sent to auction house. If they are interested, they will send someone to have a look...

(Sorry to hear about your mum btw....)

orangina - thanks for your suggestions and thoughts.

Bink - I never would have thought of ebay as I'm not a regular user. Will check it out. Will also be interested to hear what your dh suggests.

Anyone else have any ideas?

Where do art galleries and antique stores get their stock? Should I just pick a few well located shops, and walk in wearing a trenchcoat with a pocket full of polaroids?

EB - dh is going to email you direct, later on tonight, if that's OK? - presuming you still have the same address as you used to?

(He is feeling very pleased with himself as by hovering over all these sites & monitoring traffic & paying attention he has Spotted A Fake.)

Bink - that would be fab, and yes email address is same.

I'm currently plotting a return visit to London, so will let you know when dates are set in hopes we can find a day/time to chat in person. Do let me know if there's anything I can bring you (or dh, or kids) from here...