Dealers

Although the rise of the internet during the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a number of galleries moving online, many have also decided to persist with their bricks and mortar approach. Here are two businesses building up their physical presence in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

Under the current restrictions Jackie Edwards of ACVR Events is still able to run a number of her antiques and brocante street markets held across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey.

A government plan to end VAT-free shopping for international visitors next year will impact the UK art and antiques trade, say dealers.

The East Asian tranche of the new-format Asian Art in London event runs from October 29-November 7.

While galleries remain open during Asian Art in London, the ever-changing world of Covid-19 restrictions means the internet has also become an important resource for doing business

Asian Art in London dealer Joost van den Bergh is launching a new website devoted to Art Deco and Modernist Japanese art to coincide with the event.

The firebreakers, circuitbreakers, alerts and tiers have made recent weeks feel chaotic. But dealers are carrying on regardless, devising new and different ways to sell their stock safely, whether online, through catalogues or in person.

Vincent Page, owner of Antiques on High centres in Oxford and Sidmouth, reports that trade in both shops has been good with “a significant increase in Sidmouth, on numerous days taking more than AOH in Oxford”.

Robert Aronson runs Dutch family business Aronson Anitquairs, which launched in 1881 and today specialises in Delftware.

Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.

A selection of previews from dealers taking part in the East Asian section of Asian Art in London.

The rare Ankwe terracotta figure is attributed to ceramicist Azume of Goemai, who died c.1951. Her figures were made for women and important locals, and two other examples – the only others known – currently reside in The British Museum.

Download our maps showing participants in the East Asian section of Asian Art in London, October 29-November 7.

Following on from the nominees for the best Indian and Islamic object (published in ATG No 2463), an equivalent shortlist has been announced for pieces in the East Asian category.

Focus on two events that have been staged successfully and boosted dealer confidence

Turin dealership Caretto & Occhinegro Gallery has sold a previously unpublished oil by Jan Matsys (c.1510-75) to the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice.

Monica Cardarelli is co-director of Laocoon Gallery, which is part of London Art Week’s focus on female artists this month. Cardarelli has curated the gallery’s ongoing exhibition of Futurist artist Marisa Mori (until January 15).

This month, London Art Week (LAW) uses the digital platform it launched over the summer to run Art History in Focus. The event combines online discourse with exhibitions and objects on offer in galleries (and on gallery websites), putting the spotlight on two major themes: women artists and framing.