If you are seeking a loan against fine art, Edinburgh Asset Finance (EAF) offers one of the UK’s most specialist, discreet and reliable solutions for unlocking capital from valuable artwork. We work exclusively with high-value assets, enabling us to provide higher lending amounts, faster decisions and a more refined experience than a typical art pawnbroker or high-street lender.

Whether you own a single important painting or an extensive collection of modern, classical, contemporary or culturally significant works, our fine-art lending service provides rapid access to funds without the need to sell your artwork. This allows collectors, investors and private owners to retain full ownership while releasing the liquidity they need for business, personal or investment purposes.

With in-house expertise, secure storage solutions and a client-first approach, our loans against art are trusted by clients across the UK who expect professionalism, accuracy and complete discretion at every stage.

Why Choose EAF for a Loan Against Fine Art?

Fine art is not only a treasured asset but also a substantial store of value. Yet converting that value through auction houses or galleries can be time-consuming, unpredictable and expensive. A loan against art offers a fast, secure and controlled way to access capital while keeping your artwork safely in your possession for the long term.

Clients choose our service because we deliver the perfect balance of speed, expertise and confidentiality.

Fast, Expert Valuations

With decades of combined art-market experience, our specialists assess each piece using detailed market knowledge and the most current performance data. Our valuation approach considers:

  • Current demand in the fine-art market
  • Recent auction results
  • Artist significance and recognition
  • Condition, medium and authenticity
  • Comparable gallery and private-sale prices
  • Rarity, provenance and historical importance

We arrange valuations promptly and around your schedule, ensuring you’re never waiting longer than necessary to access your funds. This streamlined approach is ideal whether you require a short-term loan against fine art or a more substantial, longer-term arrangement.

Immediate Loan Offers

Once your artwork has been assessed and an accurate market value established, we issue your loan offer immediately. Depending on the asset and location:

  • Many clients receive funds on the same day
  • Most receive their loan within 24 hours of appraisal

This makes our service one of the fastest ways in the UK to secure a loan against art without the complexities of selling through an auction or gallery.

Higher Loan-to-Value Than Traditional Pawnbrokers

Unlike standard pawnbrokers who deal with a broad mix of general goods, we specialise exclusively in high-value assets — including fine art. This allows us to offer higher LTV ratios, often up to 70% of the current market value, depending on the artwork and its demand.

We regularly lend against high-value works by:

  • Jack Vettriano
  • Peter Howson
  • Andy Warhol
  • Banksy
  • Francis Bacon
  • David Hockney

Because of our specialist knowledge and market insight, we frequently provide more competitive loan amounts than general art pawnbrokers or online lenders.

A Secure, Private and Professional Service

When clients secure a loan against fine art, they expect a refined and discreet process — and our service is designed to meet those expectations.

We provide:

  • Confidential appointments
  • Transparent loan terms with no hidden fees
  • High-security, fully insured art storage
  • Museum-grade handling standards
  • Professional paperwork and communication

From collection to storage and eventual return, your artwork is protected with the utmost care. Only specialist art handlers access any pieces held during the loan period, and all facilities include climate control, restricted access and 24/7 monitoring.

Artwork Eligible for a Fine Art Loan

We lend against a wide range of fine art, from traditional paintings to contemporary works, sculpture, editions and culturally significant pieces.

Oil Paintings & Modern British Art

We frequently accept:

  • Post-war oil paintings
  • Modern British works
  • Traditional oil paintings
  • Figurative and abstract pieces
  • Classical, impressionist and contemporary oils

Pieces by Vettriano, Hockney, Howson and other leading British artists are often used as collateral due to strong collector demand and robust market performance.

Works on Paper & Limited Editions

Suitable items include:

  • Charcoal, ink and pencil drawings
  • Watercolours and mixed-media art
  • Signed limited editions
  • Lithographs, etchings and screenprints

Prints by Banksy, Warhol and Hockney commonly achieve strong loan values due to their internationally recognised markets.

Sculpture & Three-Dimensional Art

We regularly lend against:

  • Bronze sculptures
  • Marble and stone works
  • Contemporary sculpture
  • Signed or numbered editions
  • Pieces with foundry marks or clear provenance

Contemporary, Pop & Urban Art

Strong candidates for a loan against art include works by:

  • Banksy
  • Andy Warhol
  • David Hockney
  • Key contemporary and emerging artists

This sector is one of the most dynamic in today’s market, making contemporary art a popular choice for clients seeking fast, flexible lending.

Global & Cultural Fine Art

We also consider significant:

  • Asian fine art
  • Middle Eastern works
  • African sculpture and carvings
  • Tribal and ethnographic items

Eligibility depends on market demand and verified authenticity.

Client Case Study

Why Clients Prefer EAF Over Standard Art Pawnbrokers

Clients choose our service because we offer:

  • Specialist knowledge in high-value art
  • Accurate, market-aligned valuations
  • Higher loan amounts than typical pawnbrokers
  • Discreet and professional client handling
  • Fully insured, high-security storage
  • Fast decisions and rapid payment

For high-net-worth individuals, collectors and investors, we provide a premium alternative to traditional art pawnbroking.

Ready to Secure a Loan Against Fine Art?

We offer:

  • Fast, expert valuations
  • Immediate loan offers
  • High LTV ratios (often up to 70%)
  • Fully insured storage
  • A discreet, professional and secure lending service

Contact us today for a confidential discussion about your artwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of artwork qualify for a loan?

We accept oil paintings, contemporary pieces, modern British art, drawings, limited editions, sculptures, Pop Art, Urban Art and works by leading artists such as Vettriano, Howson, Banksy, Bacon, Hockney and Warhol.

Do I need authentication or certificates?

Provenance is helpful but not essential. Our specialists can often confirm authenticity based on expert assessment.

How is my artwork stored?

Your artwork is stored in secure, climate-controlled, fully insured facilities with: Controlled access, Museum-grade protection, 24/7 security, Professional art handlers only.

How do you calculate the loan amount?

We assess: Artist reputation, Condition and medium, Provenance, Rarity, Market demand, Auction comparables. We typically lend up to 70% of current market value.

Is contemporary art accepted?

Yes — contemporary and modern pieces are often ideal for fine-art loans due to strong demand.

Contact Edinburgh Asset Finance today to arrange your private appointment.