BADA

The British Antique Dealers’ Association is “considering options” after its chief executive, Marco Forgione, resigned to head the Institute of Export and International Trade.

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.

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.

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”.