Knowledge centre
Bidding is open only to registered clients whose identity has been verified. The answers below set out what we ask for, why we ask for it, and how long approval takes.
Register with your name and email address, confirm the address from the message we send, and complete your client profile. Opening an account takes a few minutes and is separate from registering to bid in a particular sale.
Read the full answerSale registration confirms that you accept the conditions of sale applying to that particular auction and allows us to review the bidding limit appropriate to it. It also ensures that your verification remains current at the moment of sale, which is a requirement of our anti-money-laundering obligations.
Read the full answerFor individuals, a current government-issued photographic identity document and a proof of address dated within the last three months. For companies, trusts and institutions we additionally require evidence of incorporation or constitution and confirmation of the beneficial owners and the authorised signatory.
Read the full answerWe are obliged, as an art market participant, to carry out customer due diligence under the United Kingdom money laundering regulations. Verification protects the market against fraudulent bidding and protects consignors against non-payment; it is applied to every bidder without exception.
Read the full answerMost registrations are reviewed within one working day. Registrations involving corporate structures, first-time bidders on high-value lots, or documents requiring clarification may take longer, so we ask that you register well before a sale closes rather than in its final hours.
Read the full answerYes. For lots of substantial value, or where you have not previously transacted with us, we may request a bank reference or evidence of funds before approving a bidding limit. This is routine practice and reflects the obligation we owe to our consignors.
Read the full answerYes. We may decline or restrict a registration where verification cannot be completed, where the information provided is inconsistent, or where a previous obligation to us remains unmet. You are told that a decision has been made and, so far as the law permits, the reason for it.
Read the full answerOnly if you have disclosed the arrangement in advance and both you and the principal have been verified. An undisclosed agent is personally liable for the invoice under our conditions of sale, so please tell us before you bid rather than after.
Read the full answerIdentity records are reviewed periodically and whenever a document expires, an address changes or the value of your bidding increases materially. A refreshed document is requested rather than the whole process repeated.
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