1 How did you get your start?
Looking back, I wonder if the choice that was offered to me by my father and grandfather was actually a choice. They always discussed the business, the clientele and the objects with so much passion that I was really born into the family business. Although the founder started as a general antiques dealer, there has always been a focus on Delftware. From the early 1990s, my father and I specialised completely on these ceramics produced between 1600 and the early 19th century.
2 One lesson you would like to pass on to future generations of dealers?
May I quote an old Dutch saying? ‘Reputation arrives on foot and leaves on horseback’. It is more commonly translated as ‘Trust is hard to gain, but easy to lose’. Stay honest and true to your clientele — as long as that client also respects you. It is a game of mutual trust.
3 What is one great discovery you’ve made?
Our greatest and surely the dearest discovery was a pair of unique figures modelled as King William and Queen Mary, produced at the Greek A Factory in Delft c.1690. The pair is now in the collection of the Kunstmuseum in The Hague, and until November 22 they are part of the museum’s exhibition ‘Royal Blue’ — William and Mary’s Finest Delftware.
A pair of unique figures modelled as King William and Queen Mary, produced at the Greek A Factory in Delft c.1690, sold by Aronson Anitquairs.
4 What is your next event?
We started with online exhibitions in 2018 and found it an interesting way of connecting with our global clientele. Now with the pandemic we have another one planned. But in December we also hope that circumstances will allow us to participate in the second edition of Art Affair at the Amsterdam Hilton, a coronavirus-proof event with a small group of friendly dealers.
5 Who do you admire in the trade?
My late father, who passed away 14 years ago. He was passionate about everything he did, and it showed – it was surely contagious!
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
