Alistair Thorne is a RICS-accredited Art Valuer with over 18 years of experience in the London auction market. He specialises in 20th-century British movements and advises private clients on asset management, insurance valuations, and tax implications including HMRC compliance. Formerly a Senior Specialist at a major London auction house, he now manages private portfolios.
Alistair Thorne holds a Master's degree in Art Business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art and is a fully accredited member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), specialising in Arts and Antiques. His career began on the valuation desks of Christie's and Bonhams, where he developed a keen eye for the nuances of the Modern British market, from Vorticism to the Young British Artists. Alistair advises private collectors and family offices on the financial intricacies of art ownership, including capital gains tax strategies, import VAT post-Brexit, and the complex 'Acceptance in Lieu' scheme for inheritance tax. He possesses deep expertise in distinguishing authentic works from replicas and navigating the volatility of 'Neo-Movements' before critical consensus is formed. His consultancy provides rigorous due diligence for acquisitions, ensuring that clients understand the difference between insurance agreed value and open market value. Alistair frequently writes on the intersection of aesthetic value and financial performance, helping investors build cohesive collections that withstand market fluctuations. His methodology combines quantitative market data analysis with qualitative art historical research to predict long-term value retention.