Art Search Limited

Commissions

"Art Search Limited's depth of knowledge and research skills were essential for this very succesful commission"

As well as helping to source 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 thirty 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 and anniversaries. Commissioned work can be contemporary or tradtional 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 for approval.

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 they created for us. Their

depth of knowledge, research skills and attention to detail were essential in

the succcesful commissioning of this very impressive series of marine paintings which I believe to be an important historical record for posterity by Shell."

Sir Peter Holmes

Chairman

Shell

Specialist commissions

Art Search has arranged a complete range of specially commissioned work for our private and corporate 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 special gifts or as retirement presents.

Specialist commissions include: Architectural, Aviation, Botanical, Equestrian, Heraldry, Landscapes, Maritime, Military, Miniatures,

Motoring, Murals, Portraiture, Still Life, Wildlife, Sport including

Cricket, Fishing, Football, Golf, Rugby, Polo and Yachting

There have been no limits to the extent of our client's interests matched by our artists abilities. Works commissioned have ranged from 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 Secretary General of The Federation of British Artists, Philip Herriott acted as Secretary of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters and has commissioned work from many of the foremost portrait painters working in Britain, including royal portraits and political portraits. Art Search can arrange portrait commissions for both private clients and public institutions.

Sculpture

As 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 offer advice on all aspects of sculpture for our clients' home, garden or office.

Sport

We work with many of the most talented artists depicting sport including Peter Deighan who specialises in racing, football and rugby and Terrence Gilbert who's range of sports interests include golf, polo and equestrain portraiture - both contemporary and historical depictons.

Botanical

Philip Herriott acted as Secretary of The Society of Botanical Artists and many of our 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 - the whole commission had to be arranged with a great deal of secrecy!

Wildlife

As secretary of the Society of Wildlife Artists, Philp Herriott worked with many of the leading wildlife artists including Sir Peter Scott and Keith Shackleton. He learnt that Wildlife artists have a masive devotion to their subject and a huge degree of specialist knowledge so that their commissioned work is both aesthetically pleasing and technically accurate.

Heraldic

We can provide any form of specially commissioned Heraldic image depicting our clients Coats of Arms, this can be in the form of drawings, paintings or sculptures. Equally we can arrange for research to be carried out so that a new coat of arms can be specially created.

Aviation

We can commission painting and sculpture depicting aviation themed events both contemporary and from specific historical events. We have commissioned many works for HM Forces to commemorate their history.

Architecture

Paintings or drawings of specific buildings or important family homes can be commissioned for our clients. In the past these have been used as part of the corporate literature and also as special signed limited edition Christmas cards