Vault Canvas

Condition Report

A condition report describes the physical state of an artwork at a specific moment in time. Artists, galleries, shippers and conservators use them to record any marks, repairs, surface details or vulnerabilities before a work moves. For contemporary artists, writing a short condition report when a work leaves the studio, returns from exhibition or is sold protects you against disputes and supports insurance claims. Include the date, the work's catalogue number, an overall description, specific observations with photos and the name of the person inspecting. Keep the report in your digital archive against the artwork's documentation. A consistent condition reporting habit signals professionalism to galleries and collectors and contributes to a clean chain of ownership over the life of the work.

A condition report describes the physical state of an artwork at a specific moment in time. Artists, galleries, shippers and conservators use them to record any marks, repairs, surface details or vulnerabilities before a work moves. For contemporary artists, writing a short condition report when a work leaves the studio, returns from exhibition or is sold protects you against disputes and supports insurance claims. Include the date, the work's catalogue number, an overall description, specific observations with photos and the name of the person inspecting. Keep the report in your digital archive against the artwork's documentation. A consistent condition reporting habit signals professionalism to galleries and collectors and contributes to a clean chain of ownership over the life of the work.