A native of Manhattan, Helen has worked in the field of fine and decorative arts for over 30 years. She received her BA in art history from Wellesley College and has worked for The Cooper Hewitt Museum, Philip Colleck of London Antiques, Sotheby’s and Doyle New York. In 2003 she completed NYU’s Appraisal Certification course and is a USPAP certified appraiser. She has been president of her own art consulting firm since 1986 and is routinely called upon to appraise art and antiques. Helen is on the board of The Greenwich Decorative Arts Society and is Vice Chair of The Winter Antiques Show in Manhattan. 

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Helen Kippax & Associates, formerly The Antiques Brokerage House Ltd., is an art advisory firm established in 1986. The company offers an advantaged way to purchase art and antiques through auction and assists in the sale of high end works of art.  A broad knowledge of the art world and its pitfalls Helen can guide you when you are ready to start collecting and when ready to sell guide your heirloom to the appropriate market and ensure you get the best value for your asset. 

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Helen Kippax & Associates produces Estate Appraisals that are IRS ready.  The group advises on estate disposition and contract negotiation on behalf of their clients to maximize results for the family. With years of auction room experience as an auctioneer, buyer and evaluator Helen can work with families and estate executors in need of guidance and equitable distribution issues.  Families need someone with their pulse on the marketplace to advise them at the often emotionally fraught time associated with estate issues.  

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As an independent appraisal company the firm has no personal interest in purchasing from the estate and there are no ulterior motives.  Families often rely on outdated appraisals from an earlier time reflecting a big change in values depending on the market.  Insurance Appraisals (with retail values) are frequently confused as being Fair Market Value adding additional worry and misinformation to family decisions. 

 

When needed, specialists are brought in to appraise jewelry, numismatics & philatelics, books and other fields outside her expertise. There is no need to send in an army of appraisers for most appraisals but important to know who in the field is the right person to contact when a rare objet turns up. The business has a network of trusted specialists in regional auction houses to assist clients throughout the country for a seamless experience.