"Art Search Limited's depth of knowledge and research skills were essential for this very succesful commission"
Commissions
As well as helping to select existing works of art we can also arrange to commission new works of art. We have a great deal of experience in commissioning work from artists and over half of the art which we have provided over the past twenty five years has been specially commissioned for our clients including commissioning over 2,000 watercolours for the branches of Abbey National throughout the country.
Work is often created for a particular part of a building and is site specific, equally work can be commissioned to commemorate particular important occasions. Commissioned work can be traditional or contemporary in style depending upon the nature of the project and the client's preferences.
The commissioning process
When commissioning new works of art an initial detailed drawing is first approved by the client before the final work is created. In the case of sculpture a scale model maquette is also made.
Initial drawing Final oil painting
Shown on the left above is a detail of the initial pastel sketch by John Groves RSMA for the full size oil painting of 'The Battle of Terschelling' commissioned by Sir Peter Holmes for Shell. Full details are given on the Shell client case study page.
"Art Search were superb on all four commissions, their depth of knowledge, research skills and attention to detail were essential in the succesful commissioning of this very impressive series of marine paintings which I believe to be an important historical record created for posterity by Shell."
Chairman
Shell
John Groves Trafalgar 1805 Oil on canvas
Specialist CommissionsArt Search has arranged a complete range of specially commissioned work for our private clients including portraiture, sculpture and a wealth of highly specialist commisions from artists who have a particular field of expertise which reflects our client's personal interests or hobbies. These specialist commissions are often given as gifts or as retirement presents.
Specialist commissions include: Architectural, Aviation, Botanical, Equestrian, Heraldry, Landscapes, Maritime, Military, Miniatures, Murals, Portraiture, Still Life, Sports (Cricket, Golf, Polo) Wildlife, Yachting.
Works created have ranged from those such as heraldry, when the coat of arms for a client is researched and created, commissioning a painting of a client's home, an historical marine battle, a portrait of their yacht and even a miniature silver sculpture of their private helicopter!
Portraiture
As part of running The Federation of British Artists Philip Herriott was Secretary of
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters and has commissioned work from many of the foremost portrait painters working in Britain.
Art Search can arrange portrait commissions for both private clients and public institutions.
June Mendoza RP Ainsley Gotto Oil on canvas
Sculpture
As a director of The Alwin Gallery of 20th Century Sculpture Philip Herriott worked with artists such as Elizabeth Frink and Lynn Chadwick and The Henry Moore Foundation. Art Search can therefore advise on all aspects of sculpture for our clients' office, home or garden.
Barry Mason RBS 'Thales' Water Sculpture
Sport
Nature
Artists have been commissioned to create work based on a particular flower, for example one of the retiring directors of Shell was presented with a painting of Fuschias, his favourite flower, as a retirement present.
