Should I hire an art adviser?

The global art market fell by 12 percent in 2024, but art advisers became more important. The Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report showed that sales involving advisers doubled and reached up to 8 percent for large dealers. This was higher than sales to museums, which were 7 percent.

Advisers help clients understand the difficult art market. They give access to important works, provide insider knowledge, and handle details such as taxes, shipping, and conservation. Many clients depend on trust, and advisers may also represent them at auctions or give private advice about when not to sell.

There are risks when trust is broken. In 2023, American collector Candace Carmel Barasch sued adviser Lisa Schiff for taking money that was meant for art purchases. Schiff pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She had defrauded 12 clients of about 6.5 million dollars and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Respected advisers say that they focus on transparency and clear fees. Beaumont Nathan has added services for younger inheritors and is opening an office in Abu Dhabi. Black and Cheneviere started a new firm in 2024 that connects collecting with support for artists and cultural projects.

There is no official list of art advisers. Many clients find them through recommendations from galleries, dealers, or auction house specialists. Adviser Melanie Clore warns people to avoid anyone who suggests buying art only as an investment.

For more information see Melanie Gerlis, “Should I hire an art adviser?” Financial Times, September 16, 2025.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.