This new service, the only one of its kind in Europe, complements the Art Advisory services offered by the private bank, which include, among other things, the transmission of works of art to the next generation, follow-up and advice during inventories and valuations, and logistical assistance with regard to transport, insurance and the deposit of works of art in museums.

 Steve De Meester, Head of Private Banking: "Owning works of art is above all an aesthetic and visual pleasure that arouses emotion. Beyond this dimension, art is a heritage that requires special attention in terms of management. In an increasingly international and constantly evolving market, a thorough understanding of the sector is essential. With Art Collections, Degroof Petercam is developing a specific offer and specialized support for families who wish to commit themselves to the acquisition of works of art and to the constitution and management of their collection over the long term".

Art Collections : an exclusive and innovative concept

Art Collections is for high-end clients who want to build a collection. The service is also aimed at collectors who are already informed and who wish to have an outside look at evaluating or updating their collection.

Alongside Hubert d'Ursel, Head of Art Advisory of Degroof Petercam, the Art Collections Expert Committee is composed of Sabine Taevernier and Anne Pontégnie. They complement each other perfectly with their unrivalled knowledge and experience covering exclusively artistic currents ranging from the Impressionist and Modern periods, to the post-war movements, through contemporary art and emerging artists.

Thanks to their extensive network in the world of international institutions and galleries, private collections and public auction houses, these experts offer clients access to a world that is difficult to grasp without mastering its inner workings. In addition, clients will also be able to take part in major art fairs such as TEFAF, Art Basel, Art Brussels, FIAC and FRIEZE, as well as major international events.

Hubert d'Ursel: Head of Art Advisory since September 2012 within the bank. Previously, he was Managing Director of Sotheby's Belgium and Board Director of Sotheby's Europe from 1994 to 2012. He has acquired extensive experience in the art markets and its players. Hubert d'Ursel advises and accompanies families and individual collectors in the organization and management of their collections.

Sabine Taevernier: Independent expert in impressionist, modern and post-war art, member of the Belgian Association of Art Experts. Consultant active in the field of private collections and close to museum institutions through her activity as curator and international auction rooms through her experience as an expert at Christie's.

Anne Pontégnie: Founder of APOffice, independent curator and contemporary art consultant. Privileged contact with the international art market worldwide for post-war and contemporary art, close contact with artists, consultant for one of the largest contemporary collections.