Brexit

A flexible attitude and eclectic tastes have kept William Thuillier dealing in pictures for 40 years

The UK has agreed to follow the existing Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) regulations under the Brexit trade deal that came into effect earlier this month.

Deal or no-deal, logistics firms are as prepared as they can be for any eventuality for Brexit post-December 31

A number of changes will affect the import and export of goods from January 1, 2021, when items moving between the UK and the EU will have to undergo customs formalities and border control, like any other country.

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

For better or worse, Brexit is finally set to proceed and will be a major factor in the year ahead – as will timed auctions, anti-money laundering rules, the looming prospect of a near-total ivory trade ban, antiquities challenges and a new buying ethos based on cultural sensitivities, changes at major fairs and a growing ‘green’ movement.

The latest delay to Brexit was not a source of cheer for overseas vendors at the ABA’s Chelsea Rare Book Fair on November 1-2.

The dealers of Tetbury who trade with the Continent are determined to work through whatever turbulence Brexit may bring. A no-deal departure, likely to result in tariffs and customs checks, would present problems for import and export of stock.

As we approach a crunch vote on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal, a no-deal result is still a possibility – so too the prospect of an extension to the Article 50 process beyond the March 29 deadline. As the selection of comments and advice from across the trade suggests, the art and antiques sector, like businesses up and down the country, is preparing for every eventuality.

Christie’s says its London spring sales programme is the “strongest it has ever had” despite concerns of a no-deal Brexit.