Mark Medcalf Associates

read moreMark Medcalf has been in the business for over 30 years, working for leading auction houses in London and Edinburgh, latterly as Head of Valuations. His broad experience has provided him with an unusually wide, both general and specialised knowledge of furniture, silver, Scottish antiques and paintings (17th century to contemporary). He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS). He is well known in the art world, and is often asked to lecture on antiques and collecting. Found as a table light this 18th Century Chinese cloisonn vase was found in a clients house being used as a table light, 40 cm high and Chien Lung period it sold for 20,000 in November 2010.

read moreThis silver beaker was made in Augsburg circa 1740, and was discovered full of sugar on my coffee tray at a clients' house. In 1988 it sold for 1600. Most of the work we do for private clients is connected with insurance or tax, but can also involve family or matrimonial division, to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of assets and heirlooms. No matter how sensitive the situation that has led to the valuation, we have a reputation for treating our clients with sympathy and discretion.

read moreWe are regularly instructed by the leading law and accountancy firms of Scotland, - typically to provide valuations for Inheritance Tax, Family Division, Capital Gains Tax, Trusts, Insolvency and Matrimonial Division, as well as General Asset Valuation and advice about asset management. We are also instructed by estate agents and surveyors to advise their clients who are moving into smaller properties or who wish to buy or sell household effects during the transaction on a willing buyer/willing seller basis.

read moreIncreasingly, companies and professional firms are realising the desirability, tax effectiveness and investment potential of buying works of art, and even creating collections. However, it is all too easy to end up with an anaemic and ultimately unsatisfactory collection, poorly rated by both staff and clients. Experience clearly shows that the best corporate collections are not assembled by committee. Nor do committees normally have the time and skill to keep up to date with what is available in the market, whereas a focused specialist does.

read moreWhen did you last properly consider the total value of your house contents? The new curtains, plasma screen, or even the influx of treasures acquired through marriage or inheritance are often overlooked and the insurance company never told. Mark Medcalf Associates launched in April 2007 the concept of Home Contents Surveys. This is a new type of valuation designed to appeal to the main middle market. Based on a buildings survey as prepared for building society / bank mortgages, it gives the average home owner a brief description together with up to date values of their entire house contents.

read moreWe work with our clients on an on-going basis, offerring in-depth advice and assistance in buying a particular object or building a collection. This can be for investment purposes or simply furnishing a home with something special. The range of objects that we can advise on is very broad; from garden sculptures to diamond necklaces - we have advised on it all. A small Franz Johnston oil painting of Banff Alberta, Canada bought in for advice having been discovered behind another picture. In addition to buying, we also advise on selling.

read moreIn every valuations confidentiality is assured, and is endorsed by Mark Medcalf's long-standing reputation and the many recommendations and referrals from existing clients. The service Mark provides is friendly, objective and wholly independent of any auction house which ensures impartiality. An initial discussion will establish your valuation requirements and the options available to the client. This is followed by one or more visits to appraise and consider the objects, accompanied by any off-site research or specialist consultation as needed.

read moreDamage to antiques or works of art can be caused by a wide range of factors, from direct sunlight to damp, children to insects, over zealous cleaning to neglect. But probably the worst damage that can be done is bad restoration. Care and restoration must consider a variety of factors - including the place and date of manufacture, the materials, workmanship and decoration. Both physical (the size and weight of the object) and financial considerations must also be taken into account. We can advise you how to get the most enjoyment from any antiques or artworks you possess, by looking after them properly.