Winston Art Group | Brian Cummings

Client consignments for sale on 1st Dibs

Brian Cummings

pop culture memorabilia

Brian Christopher Cummings, a certified Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), is an appraiser and historian of popular culture. His numerous high-profile projects include serving as chief advisor to the estates and foundations of accomplished professionals of the performing arts and iconic historic figures of diverse backgrounds. Brian's scholarly work has facilitated significant donations to research institutions across the nation. After beginning his professional training at Sotheby's auction house, he served as properties of popular culture consultant to the Popular Culture Department at Christie's auction house in New York. In November 2003, Christie's published Brian's research on the history and foundation of the motion picture and film industries. In June 2005, he served as consulting east coast specialist for the sale of property from the estate of Marilyn Monroe in West Hollywood, California. Brian served as the Appraisers Association of America Regional Representative for New York State including the New York City Metropolitan area for the term beginning July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2011. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Art Studies from North Carolina State University.

cummings@winstonartgroup.com

Stay Informed

Estate Tax & Estate Planning:

Winston Art Group’s appraisal will serve as the first step in decision-making as it pertains to equitable division of property among heirs and beneficiaries.

Insurance Appraisals:

In the event of loss or damage, Winston Art Group’s appraisal will provide the retail replacement values of any work of art for clients, brokers, and insurance companies.

Damage or Loss:

To determine whether a work merits conservation, restoration, or sale, Winston Art Group’s informed and unbiased appraisal will identify damage or loss to property and assist in settling claims and disputes.

Family Division:

For the division of assets following divorce or dissolution, Winston Art Group’s professional team will determine value and identify appropriate resale markets for all tangible assets.

Donation:

For the proper valuation and documentation of all charitable gifts over $5,000, a Winston appraisal will serve as the first step in the donation process.

Art as Collateral:

Winston Art Group will determine the value of all fine art objects if and when the decision to monetize works is made.

Primary Market:

A market created by either the maker or agent of the maker when an object is sold for the first time.

Secondary Market:

A venue for sale of an object between a seller and a buyer, neither of whom had participated in the creation or initial sale of the object.

Comparative Market Data Approach:

The most commonly applied approach when appraising personal property, in which appraised value is based upon past prices for similar works by the same artist or artisan, or similar works by another artist or artisan of equal standing and related reputation.

Retail Replacement Value:

The amount it would cost to replace an item with one of similar and like quality, purchased in the most appropriate marketplace in a limited amount of time.

Salvage:

A valuation term implying abandonment by the rightful owner in which the recoverant may be entitled to a pre‐agreed percentage of any net price realized in a future sale.

Fair Market Value (FMV):

The price that property would sell for on the open market between a willing buyer and a willing seller, with neither being required to act, and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. If you put a restriction on the use of property you donate, the FMV must reflect that restriction.

USPAP:

Procedure and guidelines for correctly prepared appraisals established by the Appraisal Foundation.