With galleries in Boston and Marlborough, Mass., Skinner is a leading full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art. Skinner conducts auctions year-round in both locations. Skinner's specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Paintings & Prints, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Ceramics, Silver, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Wines, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science, Technology & Clocks, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, and Discovery.
As one of the world's leading auction houses Skinner offers collectors the chance to bid on many rare and desirable pieces. Often, these unique items achieve world-record prices. In 2004, Skinner set a world record for a painting sold at auction, when a previously unknown Fitz Henry Lane work was auctioned in Boston for $5.5 million.
Skinner is widely regarded as one of the most reputable names in the auction business - a factor that is increasingly important in today's highly competitive art and antiques market. The Skinner name is synonymous with trust, integrity and experience. Skinner's fine arts and antiques -- on consignment from collectors, estate executors, museums, institutions, and private individuals -- are carefully appraised by a team of respected specialists. Skinner's appraisers and executive officers appear nationally on PBS's popular "Antiques Roadshow." Skinner's specialty departments amass the expertise of dozens of trained fine art and antique specialists who stay current on the latest issues and developments in the worldwide marketplace. Specialists are available to answer questions, respond to appraisal requests, speak with the media, and lead educational programs, including lectures, classes and seminars.
Throughout its history, Skinner has also been a strong partner for museums, historical societies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations worldwide, helping them to meet challenges and achieve their goals. We do this by providing de-accession, purchase, and donation appraisal services for art and antiques. We've worked one-on-one with hundreds of museum curators and directors, helping them to improve the quality and value of their collections, and in turn, enabling them to shape the face and reputation of their institutions. Our flexible, hands-on approach enables us to accept single items, groups, or entire collections - a factor that sets us apart from most other auction houses.
