We are often contacted with questions about the value and authenticity of artworks. The University of Denver does not perform research or appraisals on behalf of private individuals. We recommend that you perform preliminary inquiries online, using free public library resources or subscription databases such as Artprice.com or Askart.com. These fee-for-service databases often provide basic biographical information on artists and recent auction prices; inexpensive short-term subscriptions are available. If your interest in the artwork or its financial value justify further expenditures, we recommend that you contact a qualified appraiser, such as those searchable by specialty and geographic region on the website of the American Society of Appraisers: http://www.appraisers.org.

The University of Denver Art Collection is always eager to talk with private donors and collectors about the gift of works of art that help advance our teaching mission. Gifts that enhance the collection are accepted in the following categories:

Museum Quality: reserved for objects of highest aesthetic interest and/or financial value.

Teaching Quality: includes works of considerable artistic merit that are highly useful for teaching and exhibition.

Campus Art: artworks that are considered worthy of long-term placement in prominent locations around the campus.

Historic/Commemorative: works of considerable historic or commemorative value to the University.

Because gifts of art require careful consideration and preparation, please contact the curator by email at artcollections@du.edu if you are interested in donating to the DU Art Collections. Please provide photographs, dimensions and other relevant data if possible. Please be aware that purchases by the University are quite rare; we rely on donations to expand the University's art holdings. The curator and art collections committee seek to ensure that proposed gifts will improve both the quality and teaching value of the collections.

Since the closure of the Rocky Mountain Regional Conservation Center in 2001, the University of Denver Art Collection no longer undertakes conservation projects for other institutions or private owners.  Art restoration services (in the U.S., more commonly referred to as art conservation) are offered by a wide range of private practitioners and conservation labs. We recommend contacting a qualified conservator in your region and specializing in the kind of artwork you own.

There are many organizations that promote and support conservation throughout the country. These organizations can provide conservation services and/or links to additional resources. The following list is not exhaustive.

Organizations providing information and referrals:

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works: http://www.conservation-us.org/

Heritage Preservation, The National Institute for Conservation: http://www.heritagepreservation.org/

International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works:     http://www.iiconservation.org/

International Council of Museums – Committee for Conservation:    http://www.icom-cc.org/ 

Western Association for Art Conservation:                                 http://cool.conservation-us.org/waac/

Denver Art Museum:                 http://www.denverartmuseum.org/collections/conservation