As part of BADA’s application process, dealers must have traded for more than three years and meet other criteria on knowledge, expertise, quality of stock and integrity of business practices. However, in a bid to attract auctioneers who have become dealers, such applicants will not need to have traded for three years.
“TEFAF’s most recent report shows that the global trade in art and antiques is split 62% dealers and 38% auctions and that the market is strengthening for dealers,” said BADA’s chief executive, Marco Forgione.
“BADA is seeking to encourage leading experts to join the dealing community. [So] it has been agreed that for suitably qualif ied and exper ienced auctioneers, there will be a flexible approach to the three-year dealing requirement.”
He pointed to BADA council member Alastair Gibson, an ex-Sotheby’s Asian art director who remains an adviser to auctioneers and other institutions, as a good example of auctioneers who have joined BADA.
Forgione stressed there would be no dilution of its other entry requirements. Former auctioneer applicants will, for instance, need to own quality stock and demonstrate to BADA’s selection committee experience and knowledge that is relevant to the trade.
Auctioneer applicants will also need a proposer and seconder from BADA’s 350-plus member ranks.
