Privacy Policy
Professional Art & Antiques Consultants
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At Professional Art & Antiques Consultants, we understand that discretion and confidentiality are paramount to our clients. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and handle your personal information in accordance with UK data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Information We Collect
Personal Information:
- Name, address, telephone numbers, and email addresses
- Financial information relevant to transactions
- Details about your art and antique collections
- Correspondence and communications with our consultants
- Photographs of items for valuation or consultation purposes
How We Collect Information:
- Directly from you during consultations, correspondence, or transactions
- Through our website contact forms
- Via telephone or email communications
- During property visits for collection assessments
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information solely for the following purposes:
- Providing professional consultancy services
- Conducting valuations, authentications, and appraisals
- Facilitating acquisitions and disposals on your behalf
- Maintaining records of transactions and consultations
- Communicating about ongoing services
- Meeting legal and regulatory requirements
We do not:
- Share your information with third parties without explicit consent
- Use your information for marketing purposes unless specifically agreed
- Retain information longer than necessary for business purposes
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Your information may only be shared in the following limited circumstances:
With Your Consent:
- When you explicitly authorise us to share information with auction houses, dealers, or other parties for specific transactions
Professional Necessity:
- With trusted specialists (conservators, authenticators) when required for your services, under strict confidentiality agreements
- With professional advisors (solicitors, accountants) when necessary for transaction completion
Legal Requirements:
- When required by law, court order, or regulatory authority
- To protect our legal rights or prevent illegal activity
Data Security
We employ robust security measures to protect your information:
- Encrypted digital communications and file storage
- Secure physical storage of documents
- Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis
- Regular security reviews and updates
- Professional indemnity and cyber liability insurance
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data and receive a copy
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete information
- Erase your personal data in certain circumstances
- Restrict processing of your personal data
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Data portability in applicable circumstances
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for:
- Providing ongoing services to you
- Meeting legal and regulatory requirements (typically 7 years for financial records)
- Resolving any disputes or claims
International Transfers
We primarily operate within the UK. Should we need to transfer your data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK data protection law.
Cookies and Website Use
Our website uses minimal, essential cookies for functionality. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
Contact Information
Data Controller:
Professional Art & Antiques Consultants
24 Dickins Lane
Petersfield
Hampshire
GU31 4QG
Email: enquiries@fineartandantiques.co.uk
Telephone: 07507100041
For any privacy-related queries or to exercise your rights, please contact us using the above details.
Complaints
If you believe we have not handled your personal data in accordance with this policy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
ICO Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Website: ico.org.uk
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. For material changes, we will notify you directly.