Sotheby’s Institute Lists SGS Art Services’ Yan Walther Among World’s Top Art Entrepreneurs

In an article published on October 10, 2017, Roxanna Zarnegar, of Sotheby’s Institute’s Adjunct Faculty in New York, listed the nine most innovative and important entrepreneurs she believes are operating in the art world today. In second place, she named Switzerland’s Yan Walther for his work in developing laboratories dedicated to the scientific analysis of artworks, and in creating a digital platform to facilitate the accurate and efficient monitoring of an artwork’s condition before and during transactions and logistical operations.

Yan and his SGS Art Services’ team are also credited for having helped create a revolution in the way condition monitoring and analysis are carried out during artwork evaluations. This is all thanks to their use of scientific methods of investigation, proprietary software and a professional, objective and systematic approach to the subject.

Commenting in the recognition, Yan Walther stated:

“Attitudes in the art world have changed in a spectacular way in recent years. When we launched our services, art galleries and auction houses barely spoke to us. I was even politely, but firmly, asked to leave a gallery booth during an art fair! The gallerist told me, “All the works we sell here are authentic, we don’t need scientific analysis!” But a few years and many forgery scandals later, the art industry is now convinced of the necessity for a more objective and scientific approach to help mitigate the risks related to the numerous fakes in circulation.

“Attitudes in the field of condition monitoring have changed as well. The old system of paper-based condition reports flying alongside, and often disappearing from, shipping crates is gradually being replaced with digital systems, such as the one we have developed. These allow for real traceability and consistency of the information being sent. In its way, this revolution in the art world is helping to ensure better preservation of our cultural history for future generations to enjoy and understand.”

Since its launch as FAEI – Fine Art Expert Institute – in a 70-square meter prefabricated laboratory in Geneva Freeport in 2009, Yan’s business has grown to a point where, in 2014, it moved into a dedicated, state-of-the-art 350-square meter laboratory – one of the best in the world for the scientific examination of art works. FAEI was acquired by the SGS group in 2015 and became SGS Art Services. Yan Walther’s team continues to grow and now employs ten full-time staff-members, with dozens of subcontractors in Europe, UK, USA and Asia.

To read Sotheby’s Institute’s article:
www.sothebysinstitute.com/news-and-events/news/9-art-world-entrepreneurs-you-should-know/

To view videos about SGS Art Services laboratory and condition reporting solutions: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_Gw6gs0ZXVFj4fEiLaf-zVMgI0VNrofE

SGS Art Services
SGS’s arts and culture services help clients to analyze and date works of art, and to gain in-depth knowledge of their materials, techniques and condition. The company acquires the data needed by experts for their authentication of artworks or to uncover unknown masterpieces; to provide an inventory of art collections; and to document and verify the condition of artworks before and after any logistical operation. To learn more about SGS Art Services: [www.sgs.com/en/arts-and-culture]

For further information contact:

Stephanie Meyer-Pionchon
Global Marketing Manager, Art Services
Tel: +33 4 42 61 64 46
Website: www.sgs.com/art
LinkedIn: www.sgs.com/linkedinart

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

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This release was published on openPR.