Bristol Art Advisory

The guiding mission of Bristol Art Advisory it to be an advocate for our clients in every aspect of the services we offer and with 100% complete transparency, honesty, integrity and discretion. Protecting our clients is our #1 focus: from sourcing and buying to selling, advising, and all the many areas in between. We offer our clients the entire spectrum of art world advice for the 20th and 21st century. At Bristol Art Advisory we are unique in the art world: our clients always come first.

Meredith Dunn Bristol has over two decades in the art world having worked for Larry Gagosian as well as Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn. Meredith Dunn Bristol also had a working relationship with one of the world’s most important post war artist, Cy Twombly. With her experience and know how Bristol Art Advisory is able to forge ahead in a new world of art advisory. Having been exposed to the top private deals Bristol Art Advisory was founded under the principal of direct clarity and honesty with each client. The daily exposure to the world’s most priceless works of art exchanging hands has enabled the founder to be as direct as possible when it comes to all aspects of acquisitions including negotiation, authenticity and market intelligence. Bristol Art Advisory was founded and is run by Meredith Dunn Bristol, who is married to Lord Frederick Bristol, The 8th Marquess of Bristol and is based in London where they live with their young daughter. We pride ourselves on our research, experience, art-world knowledge & connections so that our clients have the best possible advice and service.

Whether you are collecting for pleasure, for your home or your corporate collection, for diversifying your portfolio - or a combination of any of these reasons - we are here to be your personal guide to the complex and opaque art world and to offer myriad possibilities and viewpoints and expert advice. Meredith Dunn Bristol, through over two decades in the art world, has contacts at the highest levels with collectors, dealers, galleries, curators, auction houses, family offices and museums - from London to New York to Dubai, Qatar, India, China, Brazil and points in between. As well as the ethics & values Bristol Art Advisory adhere to ensure every client is given the most expert and unbiased advice.

Acquisitions

Bristol Art Advisory provides instrumental art market analysis on every acquisition whether it be from a private collection, auction house, or gallery. Every detail of the purchase is studied and analysed for the client. Similar works are studied by using all available material such as in-house market reports, key gallery information and auction prices. Commissioned works are also researched for clients as well. Whether selling or purchasing a work of art Bristol Art Advisory is able to negotiate substantial discounts for their clients, insider knowledge is instrumental which can save clients hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Selling

There are many intricate variables when it comes to selling a work of art such as timing, having a private or a public sale and much more. Bristol Art Advisory works closely with their clients so they can achieve the highest level of satisfaction in terms of price and placement. Bristol Art Advisory advises on the best time and place, so each client has complete peace of mind. The reputation of priceless art works can be potentially damaged without this advice.

Art collection management

Bristol Art Advisory manages collections for client’s which includes appraisals, insurance, reframing, museum lending, and other services which can increase a works value.

Authentication

Bristol Art advisory is able to connect with industry leaders in terms of provenance, condition reports and other vital details of artworks which are key to a successful purchase or sale. Independent reports are thoroughly made from market intelligence and knowledge.

Investment Advice

Whether it be knowing an artist is about to move to a bigger gallery or the inside scoop on a work at auction Bristol Art Advisory always knows the insider knowledge to keep clients up to date on the best artists and artwork to invest in. Data led commercial analysis is performed regularly.

Market Research & Intelligence

Market research is performed on a daily basis in order to keep up with the fast paced and ever changing world of art.

Navigating the Auction World

Clients who prefer anonymity are represented by the founder at auction. The founder will work closely with the auction house or gallery to make sure the client’s expectations are met. Bristol Art Advisory is able to provide key insider knowledge when it comes to preparing for and researching works being sold at auction. Bristol Art Advisory is able to negotiate fee’s when it comes to auctions as well as knowing third party guarantees.

Navigating the Museum World

With over two decades of museum contacts and museum protocol Bristol Art Advisory is able to provide their clients with the highest level of advice whether it be museum gifts and how to structure or loan considerations and curator relations.

Navigating the Art Fair World

Bristol Art Advisory is able to source key information about paintings before art fairs open. Bristol Art Advisory is able to secure works pre-fair or find similar works on the market. This art market insight comes from Bristol Art Advisory’s many contacts and connections within the industry.

Corporate Collections

Corporate Collections are another way in which Bristol Art Advisory provides key insight into building a financially sound collection. This adds another aspect to many Corporate financial portfolios.

Family Offices

Family Office art collections are another way to add to one’s diversification. These collections can be built with future generations in mind as potential gifts or for pure decoration.

Restoration and Repair

Built on connections from Gallerists and museum contacts Bristol Art Advisory uses only the top experts in fields of restoration and repair.

Coordinating with Third Parties

Bristol Art Advisory coordinates with all insurance companies, law firms and valuation experts to provide a hassle-free seamless approach.

Logistics

Bristol Art Advisory is able to arrange all logistical aspects of acquisitions globally. Installation of works including framing lighting are of the upmost importance to placing a final masterpiece. Bristol Art Advisory can work on a commission base, hourly rate, or % fee, this is negotiated with each client. Bristol Art Advisory takes no financial interest in any work of art.

Fees

We never ever take a financial interest in any work of art. Ever. And we only work on our client’s side. Always. We are happy to discuss our various fee options which can be flat fee, hourly fee, or commission - or a combination, as is appropriate for the client and the task.

Growing up outside of Boston, Massachusetts Dunn Bristol always had an affinity towards the arts, including classes at Dana Hall girls’ school in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Dunn Bristol graduated from Barnard College the prestigious women’s college of Columbia University in New York City. Dunn Bristol was constantly exposed to the most reputable museums in the world as well as world renowned professors at both Barnard College and Columbia University. Dunn Bristol was also a nationally ranked competitive swimmer. She swam for Columbia University specializing in 100m and 200m breastroke. Dunn Bristol’s busy schedule with classes and training twice a day enabled her to form the highest discipline in her study life as well as competitive training life. At Ivy League Championships (including Harvard Princeton Yale Cornell etc) Dunn Bristol placed 6th at finals.

Gagosian Gallery in New York City was the start of Dunn Bristol’s career in the art world. Initially working on substantial gallery shows such as Willem de Kooning, Douglas Gordon, and John Currin. This meant organizing all loan agreements, corresponding with lenders, orchestrating shipping of priceless artwork and final installation. It also meant keeping track of what works were for sale and projecting profits and losses for the shows.

Dunn Bristol then had the important position of working directly with Larry Gagosian for several years. This meant attending all prominent global events from private museums to galleries to private collections, bidding at auction on behalf of clients and being involved in the top global deals. The exposure to such priceless collections enabled Dunn Bristol to gain insider knowledge of the highest level.

After three years of constant global travel Dunn Bristol suggested assisting with the opening of the gallery in Athens which would feature American artist Cy Twombly. Having spent much time with Twombly whilst assisting Gagosian Dunn Bristol knew exactly what was expected of the show and how significant Twombly. Leaving Pathos Ringed with Waves was the title of the show consisting of 4 stunning canvases inspired by poet Alkman. The show was a tremendous success including a lavish dinner with over 200 international guests at the then new Acropolis Museum in Athens.

Following this show Dunn Bristol moved to London as connections and relationships she had made over the years were asking for expertise in purchasing and selling artworks. After time spent in London, New York, Abu Dhabi and Greece her move proved lucrative. After two years in sales at Gagosian Gallery it seemed that advising clients on an unbiased basis seemed to be Dunn Bristol’s calling as well as a move back to New York.

Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, advisor and gallerist extraordinaire was Dunn Bristol’s next jaunt as Greenberg Rohatyn had an A-List roster of clientele including high profile clients and industry leaders. Dunn Bristol worked at the townhouse location assisting Greenberg Rohatyn with not only the day to day but presenting material to these clients. After two years Dunn Bristol decided to create her own niche advisory company, having learnt a great deal from the most successful in the industry.

Meredith Dunn Bristol was married to the 8th Marquess of Bristol in London in 2018. She lives in London with her husband and daughter Arabella.

"The Image of Discretion" - Tatler Magazine, October 2018