Marc-Jan Van Laake

About

In 2003 I started out as an art consultant with nothing but an internet connection, a vast reference library, a fancy business card and a trustworthy and knowledgeable partner: Joost Bergman. Over the years, Bergman & Van Laake developed into a flourishing art consultancy with a circle of loyal corporate and private clients. In 2019, Joost Bergman landed a curatorial position at Museum Beelden aan Zee and said farewell to the company. With a new name and website I am now full circle, but seasoned.

Specialities of my advisory practice include late 19th Century and 20th Century Modernist painting and sculpture, with a focus on both Dutch and international art and artists. A personal passion of mine is vintage Photography, where many uncovered gems still can be discovered. Needless to say I have always advised and bought contemporary art, a rather trendy market. But with a keen eye I have sifted out very early on artists that became sought-after at a later stage. Apart from serving private collectors and breaking the ice for first-timers, I have notably helped building the corporate collection of Allen & Overy, The Netherlands. This ongoing project was recently chronicled in a lavishly produced collection book Come in, You are welcome (2022). and a new website: www.comeinyourewelcome.nl