FAQ

frequently
asked questions

We hope that the details below might help to answer any questions you have, but please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss any questions. We recommend that you read our Terms and Conditions for a more in-depth description of how to use our website.

1.1 What kind of work do you specialise in?

We specialise in Unique artworks – our artists create artworks that are original and in Variations – where we collaborate with artists and various ateliers to create works that are called variations.

1.2. What is an original artwork?

An original artwork is a piece of art that is unique and one of a kind made by the artist. We also offer a bespoke service for those wishing to source original works of art from artists seen on our platform. Simply get in touch with your budget and requirements and we will help you source a work of art tailored to your needs.

1.3. What is a variation?

Our artists and ateliers unite their creative prowess to create exquisite ITERARTE variations. By combining the artist’s vision with the unparalleled craftsmanship of these ateliers, we create true pieces of art, ensuring that the artistic vision remains intact while the intricate Craftsmanship shines through.

1.4. What is a print edition?

An edition is a copy or replica of a work of art made from a master work. It commonly refers to a series of identical impressions or prints made from the same printing surface. There are typically two types of print editions: limited and open.

1.5 How do I know the artwork is authentic

Each unique artwork comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) signed by the artist.

1.6 How to contact your Support Team?
1.7 When to expect a response?

If you contact us by phone, we’ll do our best to resolve your query on a call. Our phone service operates 9am-6pm GMT, Monday- Friday. Anything that cannot be resolved on a call and requires further investigation will be looked into within the next 3 working days after your call, however usually much faster! 

If you contact us by email, please allow up to 3 working days to receive a response. Our email service hours are Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm GMT. 

1.8 How do I stay up to date with what you do?

Subscribe to our Newsletter. You will receive newsletters featuring news, spotlights on artists, and new collections by subscribing to our emails along with first access to any promotions we offer. You can subscribe by entering your email address and clicking Join.

1.9 How do you deal with privacy?

We are committed to respecting your privacy. If you are on our mailing list, we will be in touch when a new artwork becomes available, but if at any time you would prefer not to receive these updates you can always remove yourself from our list by clicking ‘unsubscribe’ at the bottom of our newsletters. You can refer to here to our Privacy Policy.

2.1 Cancellations

If you change your mind after placing your order, get in touch with us within 24 hours at [email protected] or give us a call on +44 (0)7553810351 and we’ll do our best to cancel it before it is shipped. If your order is canceled the same day it’s placed, your card will not be charged.

2.2 Returns Policy

If you’d like to return your artwork, please notify us within 14 days of receiving your order. We’ll arrange for a courier to collect the artwork and return it, with all return shipping costs covered by you. We’ll then refund your order (minus your original shipping cost).

2.3 Damaged artwork

If the artwork arrives damaged, we’ll work with you to get this resolved. If you decide to return the damaged artwork, the same returns policy applies and we’d refund your original shipping costs too.

2.4 How to return your artwork

At the bottom of your order confirmation email, click the link provided to begin your return (coming soon). We’ll be in touch to process your return shortly after receiving your request. Alternatively, you can reply to any email you’ve received from our team and let us know you wish to return your artwork.

2.5 Refunds

We’ll process your refund once the artwork has been delivered and condition checked. Refunds back to your card will take 7-14 working days to appear in your account after the artwork has been checked by the artist.

2.6 Returning an Artwork

Once you’ve let us know you’d like to return your artwork, we’ll arrange for a courier to collect it and will deduct the charges from the amount that will be refunded. 

Pack the artwork securely in its original packaging to protect the artwork on its journey back.

Please provide us with the below information:

  • Send us the dimensions (H x W x L) and weight of the parcel.
  • Tell us a convenient collection date so we can arrange a courier.

We’ll send you a label to print and affix to the package. If you don’t have a printer, let us know as we have a couple of printer-free options too.

We are working to provide you with instant shipping quotes at checkout, but in the meantime please contact us with your shipping address and the artwork you would like to purchase for a shipping quote. We will reply in 24-48 hours and in most cases within 24 hours.


We will provide customized, instantaneous shipping quotes at checkout where possible, once you enter your shipping address. Unlike most products, the cost of shipping artwork and the delivery lead time varies significantly depending on the distance it is being shipped, the specifics of the artwork itself, and the level of shipping service offered. Shipping costs are based on your location and the size of your work and will include the cost of packing materials.  Shipping and insurance fees are automatically added to your order. 

We will also be in touch after your purchase to let you know of an expected delivery date, but we are unable to be day-specific, however the shipper should be in touch with you to notify you of the progress. Please note that additional import taxes and duties may also apply to various countries. For more information please refer to our Shipping and Insurance. 

3.1 Bespoke Shipping


For high-value, multiple works, very large or 3D works of art, we will calculate shipping on a case-by-case basis. Please select the artwork (without shipping rates) and enquire at [email protected] for shipping rate with the details of the artwork and your shipping address and then we will be in touch by email to send you shipping options. 

3.2 Customs

For artworks being shipped internationally, you may need to pay customs and/or import fees for the work to be released for delivery.

Customs duties and import fees aren’t included at the checkout, as they’re set by the artwork’s destination country and are charged directly by the country’s customs office. In most cases, either the customs office or the courier will be in touch with you if any fees are due. We will help with customs if needed. In the case of returns, any customs or import charges you’ve paid are non-refundable.

Customs duties and import fees vary from country to country. Find below customs details on some most popular delivery destinations. For other countries or more information, you can contact your local customs department directly to find out details specific to your delivery country.

United Kingdom

VAT for artworks being imported into the UK is charged at 5% of the declared value of the artwork. This includes artworks imported into the UK from the EU. A small processing fee may also be charged by the carrier.

France

VAT for artworks being imported from outside the EU into France is charged at 5.5% of the declared value of the artwork. A small processing fee may also be charged by the carrier.

Germany

VAT for artworks being imported from outside the EU into Germany is charged at 7% of the declared value of the artwork. A small processing fee may also be charged by the carrier.

Belgium

VAT for artworks being imported from outside the EU into Belgium is charged at 6% of the declared value of the artwork. A small processing fee may also be charged by the carrier.

Luxembourg

VAT for artworks being imported from outside the EU into Belgium is charged at 8% of the declared value of the artwork. A small processing fee may also be charged by the carrier.

Europe

Customs fees for artworks being imported into other European countries is charged at between 5.5-20% of the declared value of the artwork, depending on your country. A small processing fee may also be charged by the carrier. Contact your country’s customs office for more details. Intra-EU orders are excluded from customs duties.

United States

For artworks valued up to $2,500 being imported into the US, you won’t need to pay customs duties. For artworks over $2,500, a specialist broker will need to process the artwork through customs clearance. In this case, a nominal fee is due.

Australia

Customs fees for artworks being imported into Australia are charged at 10% of the declared value of the artwork. A small processing fee may also be charged by the carrier.

3.3 Taxes and duties

Any purchases shipping internationally may be subject to further export, import, and customs duties or international taxes. Import fees and customs tariffs are not included in your final checkout total. You are responsible for these fees and refusal to pay is not grounds for return. Kindly note that we are unable to advise on specific custom fees as these are invoiced to you directly by the shipping company once the artwork reaches the destination country. We can, however, confirm that it is calculated based on the value of the work declared by the gallery and the customs office in your specific country. 

3.4 Packaging

All artworks and variations are packaged securely in appropriate packaging. This can vary depending on the type of artwork you have purchased.

Unstretched Canvases

Unstretched canvases are usually shipped rolled in a heavy-duty art tube to keep shipping costs low, particularly when shipping internationally. If you’d like your canvas to arrive stretched, you can have it stretched with us and can contact us for more information.

Unframed Artworks, Prints, and Works on Paper

Above prints, unframed artworks, and original artworks on paper are typically packaged and shipped in one of two ways:

  • Rolled inside a heavy-duty art tube. We usually ship the artwork rolled with a sheet of acid-free paper to protect it.
  • Flat-packed. This means the work is shipped flat, sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard or thin MDF board. The artwork would normally be protected with additional sheets of acid-free paper.

Where possible, we will try to flat-pack your artwork to prevent curling. If your artwork is large, or if it is deemed safe to roll it, we will do so to protect it during transit. 

If your artwork is received in a tube, we recommend removing it from the tube as soon as possible (ideally by a framer), to prevent curling. 

If you have purchased a pastel or charcoal work of art, please take the artwork straight to a framer before removing it from its cellophane sleeve, to prevent smudging (as although the works have been fixed, some residue dust may still come off of the artwork.

Stretched Canvases and Framed Works

Bulkier artworks, such as stretched canvases and framed artworks, are shipped in a heavy-duty cardboard box or a wooden crate, depending on their destination. Before being placed in either, cardboard corners are placed on the artwork and then wrapped in layers of padding for additional protection in transit.

All unique artworks are accompanied by certificates of authenticity.

If you need help finding the right artwork for you, get in touch with our curatorial team at [email protected], who can put together a curated collection for you based on your preferences. We offer bespoke services that provide an end-to-end experience, guiding our clients to acquire art that shapes unique and extraordinary collections. Please refer to this page to find out more.

You may also contact us via this page.

Framing

Our works can be sold framed or unframed and if you require custom framing, we can offer custom framing options on request. To order a bespoke frame, or to discuss options, email [email protected].

With regular maintenance and careful handling, you can keep your artworks looking their best and ensure their longevity.

Positioning

The placement of an artwork is important to consider as harsh environments can affect the condition and appearance of the piece over time.

Sunlight

Avoid placing artworks on paper in direct sunlight as colour bleaching will likely occur. Intense sunlight can also accelerate paper aging and eventually cause surface degradation. If you’ll be placing an artwork on paper in a sunlit spot, consider framing it using UV-protective glazing. Email [email protected] for more information on glazing options or if you’d like a quote.

Hard-wearing paints, such as oil and acrylic, can also fade with excessive exposure to sunlight. Where possible try to hang your artwork on a shaded wall or in a location where it won’t be in the sun for long periods of time.

Humidity

High humidity, typically present in bathrooms and kitchens, can cause artworks on paper to warp (even those that are framed). If your artwork is situated in a humid place, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Otherwise, we’d suggest steering clear of humid locations altogether.

All artworks should be condition-checked periodically, particularly the reverse, where the first signs of damp will most likely show.

Cleaning

Regular maintenance is the most effective way to keep artworks looking clean. Giving them a quick dust once a month ensures dirt doesn’t build up on their surfaces. For more details please see below-

Framed Artworks

Use glass or plastic cleaner (depending on your frame’s glazing) with a microfibre cloth to gently wipe the surface. Avoid spraying any liquid directly onto the glazing – instead, dispense a small amount onto the cloth before polishing the glass or acrylic. We do not recommend cleaning with water as this can leave visible watermarks when dry.

Remove dust from the frame’s moulding using a damp cloth. You can also apply clear furniture polish to wooden moulding to keep its finish in top condition.

Unframed / Exposed Artworks

Artworks with an exposed surface, such as canvases or sculptures, are best kept clean with regular light dusting. Use a small soft-bristled brush (make-up brushes work well) to reach any crevices.

We do not recommend using chemical cleaning products which could do more harm than good. If there’s a visible mark on your artwork, it’s worth getting this removed by a professional art restorer.

Handling

When moving an artwork between locations, do package it securely with plenty of protective padding. Place a sheet of cardboard on either side of a flat artwork, wrap it in bubble wrap, and transport it in a strong box. Do not place items on top of the piece.

If possible, avoid leaving prints or unstretched canvases rolled for long periods of time. This can damage the artwork and affect its ability to lie flat.

We are working to introduce our gift cards to you and will be in touch when it is ready to be purchased.

We are working to provide instant checkout, and will let you know when it’s ready. In the meantime we will send you a link / page on confirmation of your order to make the payment. We will reply in 24-48 hours and in most cases within 24 hours.

 Payments Policy

  • Accepted payment methods

We try to provide as many payment options as possible for your purchase. You can make payment with:

  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Mastercard Debit, Maestro, Switch / Solo
  • Visa
  • Visa Debit, Delta, Electron
  • Discover & Diners Club
  • Wire transfers

Please contact our Bespoke team via email at [email protected], if you would like to purchase an artwork via wire payment. 

  • Accepted currencies

Iterarte currently only accepts payments in GBP (£). We are working to soon accept payments in other major currencies on our website.

    1. Bank fees
      As per our Terms of Use, please be reminded that any bank fees associated with the transfer will be borne by the receiver / buyer and not by Iterarte.
  • Payment security
  • Refunds

A refund will be issued within 14 days of us receiving the art piece at our warehouse. We refund Buyers by the method they have used for payment. We do not charge a fee for the refund.

  • Commitment to purchase

When you use our Services to purchase an artwork and complete the checkout process, you agree that you have made a binding commitment to purchase the artworks listed in your order and will pay the listed prices in full via your provided payment method.

  • Iterate’s responsibility

Our payment functionality may be made available, modified, or discontinued by us at any time without notice, subject to our Terms of Use.

Iterarte reserves the right to decline or refund transactions, for example, because a  credit reference we have obtained is unsatisfactory or where we believe the transactions to be high risk, fraudulent or otherwise in violation of our Terms of Use.

For more information on our pricing, payments and other terms, please refer to our Terms of Use.