In a new interview with Chris Kneale from ICEFAT, Yan Walther discusses the important changes he has seen in the art world during the last seven years.

Foremost in this discussion is the shift away from solitary in-house art specialists towards teams of professional independent third-party experts, using cutting-edge technology as a standard part of due diligence for artworks. SGS, with over 138 years of experience in inspection, verification, testing and certification on a global scale, is ideally placed to assist art collectors, galleries and museums by providing professional independent condition reporting.

Yan Walther goes on to discuss the problem of fakes and forgeries and how some sectors of the art market are dominated by them. It is for this reason that SGS now offers workshops to help clients understand the essentials of forensic analysis of art works.

Finally, Yan Walther considers the importance of independent inspections and condition reporting in relation to the legal status of art works that are being sold or moved. As condition reports increasingly become useful as legal documents, SGS's standardization of methodology and templates helps to ensure the coherence and traceability of data on a global scale.

By utilizing local experts, trained in SGS's proprietary reporting systems, SGS is able to offer a global presence to help protect stakeholders in the art market.

Read the ICEFAT interview in full »

SGS Art Services


SGS's arts and culture services help clients to analyze and date works of art, and to gain in-depth knowledge of their materials, techniques and condition. The company acquires the data needed by experts for their authentication of artworks or to uncover unknown masterpieces; to provide an inventory of art collections; and to document and verify the condition of artworks before and after any logistical operation.

About ICEFAT

ICEFAT represents 70 independent art transportation firms in 33 countries. Its members specialize in shipping works of art, artifacts and antiquities for museums, galleries, dealers, corporate and private collectors and the premier auction houses. This year, SGS is delighted to be partnering with ICEFAT at its annual conference held in Geneva.

For further information contact:

Stephanie Meyer-Pionchon
 Global Marketing Manager, Art Services
t: +33 4 42 61 64 46

About SGS

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 85,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,800 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS SA published this content on 10 October 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 10 October 2016 10:17:04 UTC.

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