Private Collections

In-House Expertise

The Collections Department offers a personalized and confidential service to enhance the value of the items that make up your collection. Its mission is to advise you and promote your collection to fellow major collectors, enthusiasts, and specialized dealers in France and beyond. For the sale of a multi-category collection, our coordinated team of 15 in-house specialists is involved in every stage of the sale. Historical and provenance research, detailed descriptions, and, of course, valuations—our experts draw on their in-depth knowledge of the global art market. We design the most effective sales strategy to achieve the best results, paying particular attention to showcasing the spirit of the collection in the most compelling way.

Benefit from Our Expertise to Sell a Private Collection at Auction

From scientific instruments to timepieces, collections can be highly eclectic and often serve as inspiration for new projects.

• The Randier Collection: Science, Marine & Curiosities — A three-day sale paid tribute to 860 objects sourced over nearly 50 years by the keen eye of Henri Claude Randier. 80% of lots sold, including two preemptions. Total sales: €1.7 million.

• A History of Time: 500 Years of Watchmaking History — A private collection of 80 pocket watches and portable clocks. 95% of lots sold. Total sales: €1.4 million.

• Measuring the World — A private collection of precious and scientific objects assembled from the late 19th century to the interwar period by a prominent banking family. A journey through time and space presented in two exceptional sales, with nearly 92% of lots sold. Total sales: €2.5 million.

• Lesage Embroideries: Over 60 Years of Samples — An exceptional ensemble of nearly 300 embroidery samples from the Lesage workshop, created for Schiaparelli, Vionnet, Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Chanel, Poiret, Dior, the Callot sisters, and Nina Ricci. Privately negotiated sale to join the Lesage archives.

Most recently, the sale of the collection of Old Master, Modern, and Contemporary artworks belonging to Guy Boyer, Editorial Director of Connaissance des Arts, helped fund the future creation of an art history library at the Hôtel Hubaud in Marseille.

We also organize in situ sales, such as the dispersal of the Kenzo Collection at the Bastille, the Hôtel de la Mamounia in Marrakech, and the estate of President Giscard d’Estaing at the Château de Varvasse.

Powerful Communication & International Buyers

Aguttes has a uniquely strong communication network and offers sellers tailored tools for effective international outreach. We place great importance on the production of the sales catalog—both in its design and content—whether in print or fully digital. During our campaigns, we mobilize buyers from our extensive client base across all specialties, along with targeted prospective buyers. We reach them through multiple channels: online and offline advertising, social media, email campaigns, media coverage, influencers, and auction platforms, all supported by high-quality visuals, text, and video.

Free and Confidential Valuation of Your Private Collection

At Aguttes, we advocate for objects, artworks, and their sellers by offering custom communication tailored to the collector’s spirit. Support for these collection sales is entirely personalized. Sophie Perrine works with her team to define the best sales strategy, which may involve various types of live or online auctions. The collection may be integrated into specialized departmental sales in a dedicated section. More often, depending on its importance, it is featured in a dedicated or separate catalog with a custom visual identity. The geographical location of the sale is chosen for its strategic relevance and may take place at Aguttes’ auction house in Neuilly-sur-Seine or at any other location in France or abroad.

We are at your disposal to inventory your collections, value your property, and provide professional expertise along with guidance for selling or investing.

Our auctioneers travel throughout France and across Europe, in collaboration with our regional offices, to carry out valuations and appraisals of your items.