When a museum closes, an institution comes to an end – but responsibility for its holdings does not.
The closure of a museum, a manufactory or an institutional collection is different from dissolving a private collection: public bodies, media scrutiny, ethical guidelines, transparency obligations – and often tens of thousands of objects. These are precisely the projects I take on: end-to-end, transparently and in the shortest possible time.
Collection review & concept
Recording and valuing the entire museum holding – from the highlight piece to the storage lot – and a realisation concept that stands up to the governing body and the public.
Deaccessioning & documentation
Orderly deaccessioning with proper documentation and cataloguing – traceable for boards, governing bodies and the press.
Final auction & realisation
Public auction, direct sale or placement with collections and institutions – the right route for each object, so holdings do not disappear into storage.
Press & communications
A museum closure is a public event. I manage TV, print and the specialist press so that the farewell becomes a dignified conclusion – and maximum reach for the auction is achieved.
120 years of manufactory history, concluded with dignity – and sold out to the very last piece.
When the State Majolika Manufaktur Karlsruhe closed, I led the closure from the first vision to the final hammer blow: over 10,000 objects catalogued in three months, 8,000 printed catalogues, intensive press and TV coverage, three auction days. Every object started at €100 – so everyone had the chance to acquire a piece of museum history.
Who I work for
Museums and exhibition venues facing closure or repositioning. Foundations and associations ending their collecting activities. Manufactories and companies with museum holdings or corporate archives. Municipalities and public bodies that must realise holdings in an orderly and transparent manner.
Every museum closure begins with a confidential conversation – often long before a closure becomes public. Even when it is still unclear whether it will come to a closure: an honest assessment of the holdings helps with every decision. You can find more about how I work under Collections & Estates.
Is your institution facing closure or repositioning?
In an initial meeting, we will clarify, without obligation and in confidence, how your holdings can be realised in an orderly, transparent and dignified manner.