Artist Legacy Planning
The stewardship of an artist estate is complex business. Fine Art Appraisal and Services assists artists or their heirs or artist foundation directors to preserve the artwork and continue their impact. Artist legacy planning and management is about making a commitment to keep the artists’ work and vision alive either into perpetuity or to achieve a specific goal.
An artist legacy is personal. We help establish legacy goals and create customized strategic plans to reach those goals. We explore the many ways to manage an artist’s estate and cultivate the relationships between the artist, their family or board members and the cultural community.
George Paginton (Canadian, 1901-1988) “Delighted with the bold Canadianism” J.W. Beatty in 1931
David Burliuk (American-Russian, 1882-1967) The Father of Russian Futurism
Frederick Alexander Fraser (Canadian, 1897-1975) Master Engraver and Watercolourist
Artist Legacy Services
For the family or artists directly, we provide expert art market and collections management advice that:
allows for better decision-making,
ensures proper care of the artwork,
yields correct assessments of the marketplace to maintain value and presence of the artist.
Working with Fine Art Appraisal and Services to manage and protect an artist’s legacy offers distinct advantages. We provide expert guidance, practical support, and a long-term vision rooted in professionalism, discretion, and deep knowledge of the art world.
Specialized Expertise
Managing an artist’s estate demands more than a passion for art—it requires business acumen, market insight, and an in-depth understanding of the artist’s life and work. We bring specialized knowledge to each engagement, ensuring the legacy is preserved with care and integrity.
Comprehensive Collections Management
Artworks and archival materials are valuable and sophisticated assets. We manage every aspect of collection care, including secure storage, insurance, conservation, transportation, and digital cataloguing. We also organize and preserve related materials such as biographical records, sketches, photographs, correspondence, creative notes, and business documents—ensuring the full scope of the artist’s contribution is maintained for future scholarship and appreciation.
Long-Term Legacy Planning
Maintaining an artist’s visibility and reputation requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. We work with family members and estate representatives to develop long-term plans tailored to available resources and legacy goals. This may include preparing for exhibitions, facilitating scholarly research, and managing carefully considered sales to support ongoing legacy initiatives.
Digital Asset Stewardship
Today, an artist’s legacy must be safeguarded across both physical and digital platforms. We manage digital assets such as high-resolution image archives and online visibility—ensuring consistent and professional representation across digital channels. We work with the necessary experts to help manage and protect intellectual property rights.
Artwork Placement: Sales and Donations
Placing artwork in private and public collections is a key part of preserving and growing an artist’s legacy. We leverage our national and international gallery networks to increase visibility and generate revenue for the estate. We also identify museum opportunities for donations that align with artistic and institutional missions, and help strengthen public collections.
Museum and Gallery Partnerships
We work closely with curators and institutions to support exhibitions, catalogues, and research initiatives that elevate and contextualize the artist’s work. Our objective, experienced approach ensures that collaborations serve both the estate and the broader public interest.
Many family members of artists find themselves with a new full-time job if not a full second career when the artist in the family passes away and no concrete plans were made to deal with, not only the artwork left behind, but also the artist's reputation and market. Art consultant, Larissa Wild, discusses managing artists' legacies with Kelly Juhasz on The Art Elevator podcast.
In this first instalment of a two-part interview, Kelly answers questions about how family members of artists can better prepare themselves to manage and market the collection, and whether or not they need to work with a professional firm.
To listen, click here. You can also find the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music.
We hear over and over in the news about issues surrounding the estates of artists and how family members are having to manage the artwork and sales. There are lawsuits, family discord, issues with heirs mismanaging the remaining collection and stories of others involved taking advantage of the artist’s success. Family members can become overwhelmed and lose interest as the tasks are time consuming and require specific knowledge.
Part 2 of Managing Artists' Estates on The Art Elevator podcast focuses on artists and how they can better plan for their own legacy to ensure the future success of their work and estate.
To listen, click here. You can also find the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music.
Photo credits: 1. George Paginton in Port Hope, Ontario, 1939; Unknown Maker. 2. David Burliuk on cover of Color and Rhyme, 1953; Unknown Maker 3. Frederick Alexander Fraser and his wife, Mary Fraser at their home on Durie Street, Toronto, 1934; Unknown Maker, property of the artist’s family.