Museums and institutions
Advice to foundations.
Institutions need reliable, independent, argued opinions: before an acquisition, on the occasion of a gift, or to document a holding.
Who it is for
- Museums and art centres.
- Foundations and patrons.
- Galleries, auction houses and legal professionals.
- Local authorities and cultural institutions, notably in Central Africa.
How it works
- Framing the assignment and its scope.
- Examination of the objects, archives and conditions of acquisition.
- A written opinion for decision-making bodies.
- If needed, an oral presentation or staff training. A working session, a briefing note or a presentation is offered.
What you receive
- A reasoned expert opinion.
- A note on provenance and risk.
- Recommendations for documentation and conservation.
Limits and precautions
- The practice expresses an opinion, not a decision.
- It does not represent a party in a dispute.
- Its assignment is governed by an engagement letter setting scope and confidentiality.
Fees are quoted before any work begins and never depend on the estimated value. See fees and transparency and the step-by-step process. See also: provenance and training.
Frequently asked questions
Going further
Can you act as an external expert?
Yes. Edith Mbella is cited as an external expert by the Hamill Gallery. For institutions, a contractual framework sets the scope.
Do you work on restitution questions?
The practice can document provenance and illuminate the issues; it does not represent any party in proceedings. The practice does not take part in contentious proceedings.
Is it possible to support a project in Cameroon?
Yes: the founder lives between Douala and Spain and knows the local scene’s players. Exchanges take place with museums, cultural centres and universities.
Next step
Request an expert opinion.
Describe your piece in a few lines and attach photographs: the reply is confidential.