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Sell Your Art
Discreet private sales for contemporary, modern and blue-chip artworks
Why sell with Optima Contemporary?
Independent market valuations
Every valuation is based on current market demand, recent comparable sales and our understanding of the contemporary art market. We provide realistic advice, never inflated estimates designed simply to secure your consignment.
Private sales with qualified collectors
Our international network of collectors, advisors and institutions allows us to introduce artworks directly to buyers actively looking for works by leading contemporary artists, often avoiding the uncertainty of the public auction room.
A fully managed service
From valuation and authentication through to negotiations, contracts, shipping and payment, we manage every aspect of the sale, giving you a single point of contact throughout.
Contemporary art specialists
We specialise in original works and limited editions by many of the world’s most sought-after contemporary artists. Whether you’re selling a Banksy print, a Warhol screenprint or a complete collection, you’ll receive knowledgeable, independent advice.
Confidential by design
Private sales offer greater discretion than public auctions. Your artwork can be marketed directly to carefully selected buyers without entering the public auction record.
No obligation
Our initial artwork valuations are completely free. If we believe another route to market would better suit your artwork, we’ll tell you.
How It Works
Consigning artworks
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01
Tell us about your artwork
Complete our enquiry form with as much information as possible, including the artist, title, dimensions, medium, edition details and any provenance or certificates you have. Photographs are always helpful and allow us to provide an initial assessment more quickly.
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02
Receive a confidential valuation
Our specialists will review your artwork using recent comparable sales, current collector demand and wider market trends. We’ll provide an honest valuation together with advice on its saleability and the most appropriate route to market.
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Agree a sales strategy
If you decide to proceed, we’ll discuss the best approach for your artwork. This may involve a private sale through our collector network or, where appropriate, recommending an alternative route. Every strategy is tailored to the artwork rather than following a standard process.
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04
We present your artwork
Once consigned, we introduce your artwork to qualified collectors and buyers within our network. We manage all enquiries, negotiate on your behalf and keep you updated throughout the process.
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Sale and completion
When a buyer is secured, we oversee authentication, contracts, shipping and payment, ensuring the transaction is completed securely and professionally from start to finish.
Private Sale or Auction?
One of the first questions we’re asked is whether it’s better to sell privately or through an auction house.
The answer depends on the artwork.
Some works benefit from the competitive environment of an auction, while others achieve stronger results through discreet private placement. Our role is to recommend the route we genuinely believe will deliver the best outcome for both you and your artwork.
| Private sale | Auction |
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| Confidential transaction with no public sale record | Public catalogue and published sale results |
| Greater control over pricing and timing | Fixed auction dates and bidding schedule |
| Direct access to qualified collectors | Competitive bidding for works with strong auction demand |
| Flexible negotiations between buyer and seller | Final price determined on the day |
| Personal guidance throughout the process | Higher volume, less tailored sales process |
Market conditions influence the best route to sale. During periods of economic uncertainty, many collectors choose private sales over auction because they offer greater control over pricing, timing and confidentiality. When demand is especially strong, however, public auctions can generate competitive bidding that pushes prices beyond expectations. Our role is to recommend the approach that best suits your artwork and objectives.
Why Sell Your Art Privately?
For many collectors, privacy is just as important as price.
Unlike public auctions, private sales allow artworks to change hands discreetly, without appearing in a catalogue or becoming part of the public auction record. This approach is often preferred by collectors who value confidentiality or wish to retain greater control over the timing and terms of a sale.
Private sales also allow us to take a more targeted approach. Rather than waiting for bidders on a specific auction date, we introduce your artwork directly to collectors who are actively looking for works by that artist or series. This can create opportunities that simply don’t exist in a public auction setting.
That doesn’t mean a private sale is always the right answer. Some artworks generate exceptional results at auction, particularly where demand is high and competitive bidding is likely. That’s why we assess every artwork individually before recommending the most appropriate route to market.
Our goal isn’t simply to sell your artwork. It’s to help you make the right decision.
Artists We Specialise In
We regularly advise on original works and limited editions by many of the world’s leading contemporary and blue-chip artists, including Banksy, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, Tracey Emin, Bridget Riley, Harland Miller, Invader, KAWS and Mr Brainwash.
Don’t see your artist listed?
We’re always happy to review other contemporary works and provide an honest assessment. If you’re unsure whether your artwork is suitable for private sale, simply get in touch with our team.
Selling an Inherited Art Collection
Inheriting artwork can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re unsure of its value or history.
Whether you’ve inherited a single print or an entire collection, we can help identify the artwork, review any provenance, provide a confidential valuation and advise on the most appropriate way to sell.
There is no obligation to proceed. Our role is simply to help you understand what you have and the options available to you before making a decision.
Why Collectors Choose Optima Contemporary
Selling an important artwork is often about more than achieving the highest possible price.
For many collectors, trust, discretion and professional guidance are equally important.
Our clients choose Optima Contemporary because we take the time to understand both the artwork and the person selling it. We provide straightforward advice, realistic expectations and a carefully considered sales strategy, rather than treating every consignment the same way.
Whether you’re selling as part of a collection review, an inheritance, an investment decision or simply making space for something new, we’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Request your free valuation
Ready to Sell Your Art?
Complete the enquiry form below and one of our specialists will review your artwork.
We’ll provide:
- A confidential, no-obligation valuation
- Honest advice based on current market conditions
- A recommended route to market
- Clear guidance on the next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Every artwork is unique, so there isn’t a fixed value. We assess each piece individually, taking into account the artist, rarity, provenance, condition, edition size, recent comparable sales and current collector demand.
Following your enquiry, we’ll provide an honest, research-led valuation together with guidance on the most appropriate route to market.
Yes. Our initial artwork valuations are completely free and come with no obligation to sell.
If you decide not to proceed, that’s absolutely fine. Many clients simply want to better understand the value of their artwork before making a decision.
Every sale is different.
Some artworks can be placed with collectors within a matter of weeks, while others require a longer marketing period to achieve the right result. The timescale often depends on the artist, current market demand, pricing strategy and the type of buyer we’re targeting.
We’ll always give you realistic expectations before proceeding.
Supporting documentation such as certificates of authenticity, purchase invoices, gallery receipts or exhibition history can help strengthen buyer confidence.
However, if you don’t have this paperwork, don’t worry. Many collectors contact us without complete documentation, and we’ll advise on what information is available and whether further authentication may be required.
Absolutely.
Whether you’re selling a single Banksy print or an entire collection of contemporary art, every enquiry receives the same level of care and attention.
Many of our clients begin by selling one artwork before asking us to advise on the rest of their collection.
We specialise in contemporary and blue-chip artists, including Banksy, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.
If you’re unsure whether your artwork is suitable, we’d still encourage you to get in touch. We’ll happily review your enquiry and advise whether it’s something we can assist with.
Yes. Discretion is central to the way we work.
Your enquiry, artwork details and any conversations with our team remain confidential throughout the valuation process. If you decide to proceed with a private sale, we’ll only present your artwork to carefully selected buyers.
