Welcome to Alexander Meddowes
After over three decades of experience in the international auction world, the last twenty years as a director of Christies, and as a director of Scottish pictures, I have established my own business as a fine art broker. My aim is to provide a confidential, discreet and personalised service to clients, matching buyer with seller and vice versa, at extremely competitive rates.
Since leaving Christies, many collectors have approached me to undertake both the buying and selling of works privately. The commissions range from Old Masters to Scottish Colourists through eighteenth century portraits, and sporting and Irish painting, as well as other works of art.
While it is a sobering thought that the total spread of charges for most international auction houses of items valued at under £70,000 can be as high as 35%, in certain circumstances sales by auction may be the most appropriate course of action. As an independent broker I will be able to advise on the best method to employ, and which auction rooms to use, as a tight run ship I will guarantee my fees will be no higher than 10%, and in some cases lower.
I can also help with advice on matters connected with the taxation implications of selling works of art.
If you are considering selling, buying or even upgrading your collection of paintings or other fine works of art and would like me to elaborate on the services that I can provide, please do not hesitate to contact me.
On the personal front, of course I shall continue to wear my charity hat by being only too happy to conduct auctions for deserving causes, at no charge.
Four Years Down The Road
When I sent my inaugural letter in 2003 (see above) informing you that I was starting my own Fine Art Brokering business, never would I have believed how much could be achieved. To you all, I am very grateful, because, without your support, none of this would have happened.
It has been a very busy and enjoyable four years, brokering between collector to collector and from vendors to institutions and museums.
Achievements:
- The brokering of over 600 pictures and works of fine art between 200 clients
- Negotiating sales on behalf of clients in excess of £6 million
- Breaking a barrier by organising the sale of a single item selling for over £1.3 million.
In my original letter I stated that I would not charge a fee of more than a 10% plus vat to sellers. Four years later, I stand by this, although some Auction Houses now charge an average spread in excess of 37% plus vat. The only change that has been made, at the lower end, is that if the value of a single picture, work of art, etc, is below £5000, the fee will be 15% plus vat.
Past Exhibitions each year during the Edinburgh Festival.
- The 2007 exhibition was an exclusive show of works by Tania Still entitled 'Black and Tan to Lemon White' it was a complete sell out, with her magnificent paintings of hounds finding homes as far a field as Las Vegas. I am pleased to announce that I will be holding another exhibition of her pictures in the future.
- Previous exhibitions include: A Tribute to Fergus