How do you find out who painted a work of art

A. Take a look at the�medium, is it oils, pastels, watercolour etc. Look at the�subject matter, the date (if avaiable) and the style.�You will need expert advice once you have established these categories from library books, academics at your local college of art, or from art experts at their Valuation Days - see below.

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Q. How do you find out about the artist

A. Best bet is to try the local library for starters, or a University library in your area where you can simply search by name. If nothing has been written about your artist, find out where he or she studied and if it was fairly recent, ask there. You may be able to arrange to view his or her final year dissertation or degree show.

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Q. How do you know if your work of art is worth anything

A. Many auction houses have 'valuation days' all over the country. Bonhams and Brooks�are good examples. You can�visit the website at www.bonhams.com and search by county for your nearest next date and location. Phillips also has lots of local small auctions for antiques, paintings, furniture and collectables. You will find you nearest one in the phone book. Valuations are generally free.

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A website called icollector�( www.icollector.com�) has full listings of all international auction houses and details of sales past and future, complete� with prices or guide prices for lots. It has�every conceivable�category for you to make easy comparisons with your own piece of art.

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Q. Is it easy to get it valued

A. Yes. But if the experts you first encounter cannot come up with a valuation because they think it really is worth something then they will direct you to another source for help.

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Q. Why do you have to insure your work for more than it is worth

A. On the Antiques Roadshow they give valuations if the piece were to come up at auction today. One assumes that it is not to be sold straight away,�and� that the value of the item will increase over time. Giving a valuation for insurance purposes means that you should recover the price that you would get at auction in the future should that item be stolen or damaged. You should reconsider your valuations, though, every time you renew your insurance. Most items of low value will be covered by your normal household contents insurance but read the small print of your policy and see at what value the exceptional items clause kicks in. You may be surprised at how low it is.

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Q. How do you look after a valuable painting

A. Make sure your house is secure, as this may be a requirement of your insurance, and a�lack of security may invalidate any subsequent claim. Call your local Crime Prevention Officer if you have any doubts. Keep the work away from direct light and heat.

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Q. Where do you go if you want to sell

A. There are lots of auciton houses which will happily handle your sale if the item is of the right sort for them. Just look up your nearest local Auctioneeers and Valuers�in the Yellow Pages. They will refer you to a bigger auction house if neccessary.

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