The 1897 Advisory offers discreet, research-led guidance for collectors, institutions, and cultural collaborators engaging with African and diasporic art.
Whether building a private collection or shaping an institutional portfolio, our advisory combines curatorial vision, market insight, and cultural integrity with a commitment to long-term legacy. We position art not only as an investment, but as a vessel of heritage and connection—bridging Africa and its global diaspora through meaningful collecting.
Our tailored services are designed to help clients navigate the global art landscape with both confidence and purpose. Each engagement is rooted in discretion, collaboration, and the belief that collecting African and diasporic art is both a cultural responsibility and a generational opportunity.
We offer strategic, independent guidance for building, refining, or repositioning collections — with access to exceptional works and insight into global and emerging markets. This includes acquisition support, sales & loans, auction representation, investment portfolio advisory, market research, art fair & travel planning.
Tailored solutions to organise, protect, and elevate the value of your collection —whether private, institutional, or philanthropic. This includes cataloguing & inventory systems, insurance coordination, loan facilitation, provenance & authenticity review, condition maintenance & oversight.
We collaborate with institutions, brands and cultural spaces to centre African and diasporic narratives through exhibitions, collections and public programming. This includes bespoke strategy development, curatorial concepting, exhibition support, cultural programming & experiences.
End-to-end oversight to preserve, protect, and present artworks to the highest standard — from packing to long-term restoration. This includes: packing & transportation, framing & reframing, restoration & conservation.