Organisations

MADAM – I have to say that I have been very upset and distressed, and also confused, by the events concerning principally the supposed sale of the majority shareholding of the BADA fair.

Among a series of strong art sales reported from the recent LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair was an 18th century portrait of a lady offered by Jeremy Astfalck of The Old Corkscrew.

The British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) has committed to greater transparency and more consultation with its 300-plus members before key decisions affecting the trade body’s future are made.

In a move to increase its digital presence and reach new bidders, Bonhams has agreed a long- term partnership with Auction Technology Group, owner of online auction marketplace thesaleroom.com.

The British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) is to hold a meeting for members on October 1 to discuss the sale of its fair and other concerns raised recently.

BADA sent ATG this statement last week providing further details on the sale of a majority stake in its fair

MADAM – Amid the BADA voices calling for an EGM (ATG No 2409), let me add that one thing is certain: the days of traditional art and antiques fairs are numbered, thanks to changing tastes and an ageing buyer audience.

MADAM – The decision by BADA’s council to sell a majority stake in the fair was based on reliable information that the event faced making significant losses in the coming years. When we were approached by Thomas Woodham-Smith and Harry Van der Hoorn with an offer to invest in the fair, we had the opportunity to say ‘no’.

MADAM – There are positives about BADA’s decision to sell a majority stake in our annual fair. Not least of these is that the event needs fresh innovation. As an exhibitor for nearly 20 years, I felt it was getting tired and stale. It was time to look at things in a new and open way.

MADAM – The decision to sell the BADA fair to proven art and antiques fair organisers is an excellent move.

MADAM – As an American dealer in historical artefacts, I have made two or three trips a year to London over the past 20 years.

‘The fair needs to develop. It was time to bring in a broader range of expertise and knowledge’ says BADA chief Marco Forgione

The British Antique Dealers’ Association has sold a majority stake in its annual fair to “make it sustainable for the future”.