
Valuations in fine art and heritage valuations
Howden and McWilliam & Associates has provided professional valuation services for more than 30 years.
Specialising in Fine Art and Heritage valuations, we act for private clients, wealth managers, corporations and government at all levels, with client confidentiality and discretion an essential part of our service.
Private valuations
We specialise in private valuations ranging from a single item to comprehensive collections. Our formal valuations include both written and photographic evidence which in the case of loss through fire, theft or natural disaster provides proof of existence and correct levels of insurance cover.
As one of Australia’s leading independent fine art and heritage valuers, we understand the specialist demands of the marketplace. We constantly monitor the fine art market and liaise with brokers and insurance companies to ensure we meet their valuation requirements.
We specialise in providing formal valuations of:
- Fine art
- Jewellery & Watches
- Silver
- Classic Motor Vehicles and Boats
- Rare Books
- Wine
- Furniture
- Antiques
- Decorative Art
- Memorabilia
Corporate valuations
We have a specialist team to conduct valuations of corporate art collections throughout Australia. These collections are generally valued on replacement value for the purpose of insurance or market value for sale or inter-company asset transfer.
Items and objects valued include
- Fine art
- Antique furniture
- Decorative arts
- Sporting memorabilia
- Classic motor vehicles and boats
- Technical and law libraries
- Other tangible assets
Government & institutional assets
We provide valuation services to local, state and federal governments. Valuations are undertaken at fair value (AASB 13) for financial reporting and also for insurance purposes.
Our valuation team conducts valuations of
- Art collections
- Sculpture
- Museum objects
- Historic and commemorative items
- Libraries
- Monuments
- Other heritage objects, including regalia.
Collection management
Howden offers an interactive collection management software program.
This database enables users to view details of their collection, including a maker’s or artist’s name and a description of each work or object.
Further details include medium, dimensions, location and if available, purchase details together with copies of receipts, details of any previous exhibitions or publications and evidence of provenance. There is also is a section for notes, which may include topics such as condition reports and conservation treatment requirements.
Meet the expert

Colin McWilliam

Colin McWilliam
Partner Valuations, Heritage & Fine Arts
Colin brings over 40 years of specialised valuation experience to the team and prior to joining Howden’s had established the pre-eminent art valuation firm in Australia, McWilliam and Associates.

Ashley Grant

Ashley Grant
Head of Risk Consulting
Ashley as Head of Risk Consulting brings 25 years of asset valuation and risk consulting experience including a specialised understanding of resources, petrochemical, oil and gas, education, health and aged care sectors.
Prior to joining Howden Ashley has led teams delivering Risk Management, Valuation and Risk Engineering Services both locally and throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East across government, private and not-for-profit sectors.