Does anyone know how...

[Ice.Maiden]

to get a valuation of some artwork done?
I have 3 original signed paintings by artist Keith Grant. I'm not sure of the date, but they were framed in 1991 by a company in the Midlands.
Partridges of London've shown an interest in buying these items, but rather than pay a commission fee, I'd prefer to sell them privately. Has anyone got any suggestions please?

[terambulan]

googled:

http://www.numberninethegallery.com/index_numb ernine.php?artist=keithgrant

[Ice.Maiden]

Thanks terambulan. Unfortunately that site doesn't help. The paintings were exhibited only once. They were bought directly from the artist, and I seem unable to contact him. I'm waiting for replies from two galleries where his work was displayed, in the hope they can lead me to a contact number, but one of these places is in America, and I'm not sure who can put a value on them apart from the man himself. The paintings are unique, in a series of 3, so a buyer wouldn't want them split up. They're unnamed as far as I know, but are signed and dated, Thanks again anyway.

[fredpuli47]

If Partridges are interested these must be worth a bit. It's difficult to find genuine private buyers.The top dealers and top auction houses haven't got the problem. The dealers already have a network of collectors and private buyers to approach. The auction houses, for all their hefty commission, have the same,plus the advantage of targeted advertising, sending catalogues and putting catalogues online, enormous worldwide coverage, internet and phone bidding, specialist sales, and their reputation as 'the place to look'.A lot of the bidders at the best auction houses are private buyers, so you may have private buyers (worldwide,too) fighting over the lot, with extraordinary prices in consequence.That's worth the commission in itself.
Try taking the pictures to a top London house for their free estimate.That's a start. If you like then you can go to various dealers using the estimate as an aid.

[Ice.Maiden]

Thank you fred. All info's helpful.
I also had a Bonham's representitive contact me today, so perhaps these pics are worth more than I thought, as I've now had 3 reputable places show quite a lot of interest. Photos've been sent, and rather than me take the paintings to London, we've had offers of someone coming to US.
Thank you once again.