Diaspora and private collections
Family holdings and inheritances.
Objects pass down the generations in apartments, family houses, collections built over a lifetime. Identifying them, understanding them and deciding their fate takes method and tact.
Varied situations
- Family collections inherited from a parent, a cooperation worker, a missionary or a collector.
- Objects brought back from Africa by members of the diaspora.
- Collections assembled at a distance, from dealers or at auction.
- Estates of artists or studios.
What the practice offers
An annotated inventory: description, attribution, condition, provenance clues, first indicative values. Then, depending on the situation, a valuation, an estate appraisal, or support toward a sale, a donation or conservation.
The role of family memory
A story told within a family is a precious clue, even when imprecise. It is recorded, checked against documents and presented with its reservations. A short family provenance questionnaire helps reconstruct the history of the collection.
See also: provenance research and ethics.
Frequently asked questions
Going further
I have inherited objects I know nothing about: where do I start?
Photograph each piece from several angles, note what you know of how it came into the family, and send us the file: an annotated inventory is a first step.
Can my objects remain confidential?
Yes. Information is shared only with your written consent. See ethics.
Is selling an obligation?
No. Documenting a collection also allows it to be passed on, insured or lent.
Next step
A collection to document.
Describe your piece in a few lines and attach photographs: the reply is confidential.