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Andrew Acquier's firm has been in business for twenty years undertaking a wide variety of fine art and chattels valuations. Andrew is assisted by co-valuer Richard Lester and a small team of office staff.
Andrew has been carrying out valuations of house contents since 1975. These regularly include the categories of antique and modern furniture, clocks, porcelain, pottery, glass, bronzes, silver, fine art and pictures, rugs and textiles, but have also included books, jewellery, pop and rock memorabilia, ivories, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Arts & Crafts, guns, toys and scientific instruments. However Andrew has, over the years developed two particular areas of specialisation.
As well as being a general valuer Andrew specialises in 18th century French furniture with an extensive knowledge of the craft guild system. He is also well versed in the construction of English and Continental furniture from the 16th - 21st century:
For example many pieces made in Holland in the 18th century are promoted as English, often with a higher value. Only the valuer who knows the differences between the two methods of construction can make a positive indentification.
Andrew is happy to compile reports on furniture that has been purchased or is intended for purchase, pointing out any flaws e.g. if there is any replacement wood or if a piece has been reconstructed or re-veneered - these are factors which affect the integrity of the piece and therefore its value. Andrew has often saved his clients money by advising on the correct level to pay.
Where possible Andrew will give comparables available to buy elsewhere.
In dating and valuing the more obscure maps, it is important to know how different papers were produced at different times, how printing techniques evolved, how to indentify different states of plate and the contemporary use of colour.
Andrew is happy to advise on valuation, sale or purchase of individual maps, topographical prints and sets of atlases. Indeed he would be delighted to advise on the purchase of all prints and paintings for corporate and private clients in order that their budget can be maximised.
Andrew gained an Honours Degree in English in 1974 and then joined Bonhams in May 1975. Having sat his professional exams for the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers in 1977 and gaining his letters in 1979, he went on to become the manager of the Valuations Department from 1980 to 1982.
In November 1982 Andrew set up as an independent valuer in Witley, Surrey, moving in 1988 to Godalming and then to London in 1996. As the client base expanded his firm grew to incorporate a small team of staff and co-valuers. In 1997 the firm moved to Fleet Street where it continues to flourish.
Richard worked for a number of interior designers including Osborne & Little and Liberty before being awarded the 1992 Sotheby's Academic Scholarship to study with the firm. In 1996 he joined Andrew Acquier where he has worked since as a valuer and researcher, specialising particularly in 20th century British Art, books and modern furnishings.
After graduating from Southampton Solent University with a degree in Fine Arts Valuation, Robert worked for Christie's auctioneers in South Kensington before becoming the Fine Art Client Manager for Cadogan Tate.
He joined Andrew Acquier in 2006 where he now works as a valuer and researcher and is currently studying for his RICS qualifications.
For some specialised valuation work we have a number of contacts who are experts in their own areas and who are sub-contracted to work for our office whenever appropriate. Their fees are always included within our own.
As agents we reguarly place items for sale, not only with all the major London rooms, but also with salerooms around the country, particularly those located in areas where a significant number of private individuals attend sales and hammer prices are often stronger.
Andrew Acquier, FRICS, Mitre House, 44-46 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1BN, United Kingdom.