Because I exhibit at both of their fairs, I am obliged to be a member of the two organisations. Thus I pay quite substantial annual subscriptions to two organisations that, on the face of it, do very similar things, namely they both organise an annual fine art and antiques fair.
The duplication of costs for running a fair for one week a year must be considerable.
So, I ask, would it not make sense for these two very similar trade associations to merge? The logic of such a merger seems to me to be compelling.
Very many dealers who exhibit at LAPADA also do so at BADA. It should not be too difficult for a single organisation to run two fairs a year, which Clarion Events does at Olympia.
A merged organisation would be much more effective when representing the interests of the antiques trade to the government.
There would be substantial efficiencies if both bodies came together.
It would be interesting to hear the views of other BADA and LAPADA members.
Jeremy Taylor
The Taylor Gallery, London
■ What do BADA and LAPADA members think about this? Send your views to editorial@auctiontechnologygroup.com
