Via Peat Bakke http://bit.ly/hMq8kD
“I found a painting in my grandmother’s attic. Can someone at The Cummer tell me how much it is worth?”
You might be surprised how often we receive a call like this. Unfortunately, staff at The Cummer are unable to provide appraisals or valuations of works of art. Although the museum would seem to be a logical place to discover that sort of information, appraisals and valuations are highly specialized areas that require extensive education and certification for their practitioners.
Appraisers often participate in rigorous training programs, and many are then subject to the professional standards of different organizations. One such organization is the American Society of Appraisers, which only accredits members after they complete a testing and evaluation process that requires years of study, training and peer review.
If you need an appraisal, valuation, or authentication of any work of art, please contact one of the following organizations that will help you locate a specialist in your area:
American Society of Appraisers
International Society of Appraisers
Appraisers Association of America
Once you have determined the basic facts about the artwork in question, you are welcome to make an appointment with one of The Cummer’s volunteer librarians, who will help you find additional information about the artist, style, or subject matter.
Hi there,
My name is Tim Taylor and I have a question for your consideration? Might I ask do you do restoration work on paintings? Would your staff entertain the notion of seeing a painting I was given 10 years ago that needs it badly, including the frame Because I am unable to find out anything about the painting or the artist I am potentially leaving results in your hands for course work at your leisure and discretion, in other words holding you basically harmless. The contents of it render restoration, classic theme of the Alps but on canvas in oil paint with a crayon signature, Barton is all I can make out, about 3’x4’. Please forgive me if this has arrived in the wrong hands but would you be kind enough to acknowledge receipt and reply? Perhaps you can place me in the right direction?
Tim, I am forwarded your question on to our Curator. We should be addressing the question in detail in an upcoming post. Thanks for the great question.
I have been searching for one building, which would have belong to the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge Masons (Black) I understand and know that it was destroyed in The Great Fire of 1901. I am told that it was on Orange and Clay Streets. I also understand that the records of the city also burn, but I do believe that somewhere this information exist. I just want the location or address of this building.
Mr. Harris, I am so sorry that we do not have this information. Have you tried the Main Library? I know they have a large map section and a lot of historical documents. My other recommendation would be to check with the Jacksonville Historical Society and Riverside Avondale Preservation.