The creation and development of Art Advisory Group Ltd stemmed from years of helping clients through valuations, buying and selling fine arts. Now that experience is expanding across all forms of artwork and luxury goods by connecting you with the best specialists and a wide range of collection-related services. We endeavour to keep expanding our growing expert network to ensure a complete range of knowledge and timely services are provided to our clients.
Crispian Riley-Smith
Managing Director and CEO
Crispian Riley-Smith has worked in the international auction market for more than three decades, with particular expertise in Master Drawings. He began his career as a specialist at leading auction houses including Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Phillips and Bonhams. For the past twenty years he has operated as an independent dealer in Master Drawings.
In 2001 he founded Master Drawings London, followed by London Art Week, and in 2006 established Master Drawings New York, further strengthening the international market for works on paper.
He is the Founder and CEO of Art Advisory Group, an independent advisory firm operating as a comprehensive resource across the art, luxury goods and antiques markets. He leads a network of over 90 highly regarded specialists, providing independent advice on valuations, acquisitions and sales, expert witness work, collection management, audits and estate planning.
The firm works closely with law firms, accountancy practices, private banks, auction houses, museums and institutions, dealers and ultra-high-net-worth individuals across the UK, Europe, the United States and Asia. Art Advisory Group brings together respected independent experts covering a broad spectrum of art and alternative asset classes, from Old Masters to contemporary art, and from fine wine to classic cars.
Crispian’s approach is personal, discreet and bespoke, tailored to each client’s objectives. Drawing on an extensive international network, he assists clients in navigating complexity, managing risk and making informed decisions. He is also available for external and part-time advisory and consultancy roles internationally, particularly with family offices and financial or luxury institutions.
His memoir, An Entrepreneur’s Odyssey: My Challenging Journey to Success in the International Art Market, was published in November 2025.
He was named in Spear’s 2025 Top Art Advisers.
Crispian has been a member of Professional Advisers to the International Art Market (PAIAM) since 2023.
You can email Crispian at crispian@artadvisorygroupltd.com
Emily Riley-Smith
Senior Business Advisor
Emily joined AAG with over ten years’ experience as a transactional attorney with an international law firm. Prior to her legal career, she studied the History of Art at Northwestern University and also completed a Decorative Arts and Design programme at Sotheby’s Institute. In her role with AAG, she implements complex project management and oversight of advisory work.
Art Advisory Group brings together the most experienced and reputable independent specialists in art and alternative investments to guide you through this minefield and ensure that you make the very best investment decisions no matter what area of art and collectables is of interest to you.
