Consignments
LDN accepts consignments on a selective basis, using auction history, verified market data, and integrated valuation to determine suitability, pricing, and execution strategy.
Valuation forms the first stage of the consignment process and is provided as part of assessing whether a sale should proceed at all.
Auction History as the Basis for Acceptance
Before accepting a work on consignment, LDN undertakes a detailed review of auction history and market evidence.
This analysis includes:
- Historical pricing behaviour
- Liquidity and depth of demand
- Buy-in rates and failed sales
- Market volatility and sensitivity to supply
- Evidence of market fatigue or resilience
This establishes whether the market can responsibly support execution at the present time.
Assessment Before Commitment
Consignment begins with the question of whether execution is appropriate at all.
Valuation and auction history are interpreted alongside:
- Artist career position and long-term significance
- Institutional exposure and critical recognition
- Rarity, quality, and period relevance
- Provenance, documentation, and ownership history
- Condition and material integrity
Where valuation indicates that execution would be ill-timed or unsupported, LDN may recommend against sale before any consignment is accepted.
Due Diligence & Review
Prior to acceptance, LDN undertakes structured due diligence, which may include:
- Comparative auction analysis
- Review of repeat-sale performance
- Alignment with verifiable private market benchmarks
- Assessment of timing and exposure risk
This process informs both execution strategy and pricing expectations.
Placement Strategy
LDN prioritises appropriate execution over exposure.
Depending on valuation and market evidence, strategy may include:
- Private treaty sale
- Targeted collector outreach
- Discreet off-market offering
- Deferred or phased execution
- Recommendation not to proceed at the current time
Strategy is agreed in advance and reviewed as conditions evolve.
Pricing & Expectations
Pricing expectations are set only after valuation has established market-supported parameters.
LDN does not accept consignments where pricing expectations are materially unsupported by evidence.
Where appropriate, pricing strategy may evolve over time in response to market behaviour.
When LDN May Decline a Consignment
A consignment may be declined where valuation and market data indicate:
- Insufficient liquidity or demand
- Repeated underperformance or elevated volatility
- Market saturation or exposure risk
- Pricing expectations misaligned with evidence
- Greater suitability for an alternative route or later timing
Where possible, guidance is provided on timing or alternative strategies.
Working With Estates
LDN works with estates and executors navigating complex decisions around valuation, timing, and execution.
Support may include:
- Valuation as part of execution planning
- Advice on sequencing and market exposure
- Long-term strategy rather than immediate liquidation
Each engagement is handled with sensitivity and discretion.
Confidentiality
Consignments are handled with discretion.
Works may be offered privately and are not always displayed publicly.
Client information and market analysis are not shared without consent.
Consignment Enquiries
All enquiries are treated confidentially.