LAPADA Conference 2018

I was honoured to speak on a panel at the LAPADA conference for 2018 at the House of Lords, London, where we discussed how dealers in differing generations dealt with various challenges from market positioning, to stock sourcing and online presence. With topics ranging from BREXIT, its challenges and opportunities, to positioning art and antiques in the luxury marketplace, the 10th anniversary edition of the LAPADA Conference was full of practical advice and interesting commentary from industry experts.

I mentioned that my approach was that I simply buy things I like and play up the atmosphere around them: room settings and photographing things in this way are very powerful: you’re selling an atmosphere, a feeling or moment rather than just an object.

I also added that I am exploring new areas: for example, I’ve just started a collaboration with a contemporary sculptor - Beth Carter - see here for works we are offering right now. My other main point was to embrace the power of photography: as I take 200-300 pictures of each object, then edit down to between 15-50 depending on the nuances of the piece. My last noted point was to have an identifiable style: I always uses natural lighting.

I learnt from the other speakers on the panel, clock dealer Howard Walwyn and Tanya Baxter contemporary art on how they tackled different challenges and a good day was had by all, with the feedback being the audience had enjoyed our section immensely. I thank LAPADA for my invitation to speak at this prestigious event.

Other speakers included;
Anthony Browne – Chairman, BAMF
Susan Moore – Associate Editor, Apollo Magazine
Dr. Bruce Boucher – Director, Sir John Soane’s Museum
Dr. Tessa Murdoch – Deputy Keeper, Victoria & Albert Museum
Philip Mould – Philip Mould & Company
Martin Levy – H. Blairman & Sons Ltd
Helen Brocklebank – CEO, Walpole
Ivan Macquisten – CEO, iMacQ.