NYC fine art marketplace Lofty now has a Philly staffer doing at-home appraisals

In an effort to expand its reach, an online marketplace for fine art and antiques is taking an offline approach.

Lofty, a Peter Thiel-backed New York City startup, is now offering at-home appraisals in the Philadelphia region, according to a release. Normally, the company uses its network of more than 80 experts who do virtual appraisals.

As director of regional operations, Main Line-based Margaret Tierney, a former Christie’s staffer who founded auction startup Ask Auction, will do the appraisals and offer support for Philadelphians looking to sell on Lofty. Philadelphia is the first market where Lofty is doing at-home appraisals.

Lofty chose Philly for its first outreach market because of Tierney but also because of “the area’s long, rich history in the arts and antiques,” spokeswoman Heather Corcoran wrote in an email.