She envisages an association for all of Scotland’s antiques and fine art dealers but has set membership rates at a level “affordable for the ordinary dealer”.
A number of benefits are offered in return for an annual fee of £95 for dealers and £150 for auction houses or fair/event organisers. The association has negotiated discounts on trade and reference books, international shipping and carriage within the UK and a special insurance scheme.
Geography – a factor that increases shipping costs and travel times to the major fairs and decreases the number of fairs and major buyers – is a primary issue but the SAFADA also hopes to address the lack of promotion of the antiques trade in Scotland and what it believes is the failure of antiques dealers to capitalize on the Scottish tourist trade.
If demand is sufficient, there is also a plan to hire pitches at major fairs such as Newark on behalf of Scottish dealers. The association propose to transport merchandise south, hire staff for the fair and collect payment for sold items. For more details contact 01655 889716 or email enquiries@safada.co.uk
Association for Scottish dealers
A NEW association has been launched in Scotland in the hope of providing a united voice for dealers north of the border. The Scottish Antique & Fine Art Dealers Association is the brainchild of Sandra Patterson (the wife of an Ayrshire dealer) who hopes to address the unique challenges faced by Scottish dealers.
