I can’t wait for 2010, because it must be better than 2009 for the art and antiques trade. If nothing else, there are changes and underground currents in the industry and wealth in general, that should have an effect on how and why these items are traded.  As a matter of some economic thought, financial catastrophes push the evolution of money and its value. The last year has been more than a challenge in our industry, and in particularly the decorative arts and furniture trade.  This segment of the trade never really was influenced with a speculative impulse.  When the Japanese speculation abandon the Impressionist market in the 1980’s the…

With all the public discussion on the present state of the economy, it has been stated by many economists, that small businesses are the engine of growth for jobs and recovery.  Yet, I find practically nothing in any of our government’s actions that foster such possibilities.  Dealers of art and antiques clearly experience what is wrong with the economy and the impediments they face to help bring about an upturn in our general conditions. Entrepreneurs of small businesses have many similar qualities that have to do with the scale of operation, financial needs, and government regulations that are not easily distributed to separate divisions and departments.  It all seems to…

In the present state of the antiques market, it seems like an eternity since there was a feeling that our products could be bought and sold with any kind of rapidity.  Turnover is not happening, and any sale is a welcomed event.  Will this ever change; will there ever be a broad based rise in industry activity, and what kind of luxury item are antiques anyway? While the contraction in the number of dealers at all ends of the market has been increasing over the last decade, the rate has definitely picked up with the present economic recession. You can see it in vacant stores and turnover of dealers participating…

FYI, the National Antique Week runs from November 23-30th, but in England.  If American antiques dealers would recognize what a positive image could have on their sales, perhaps they might want to come together for such an occasion. It’s hard for anyone to not be curious about antiques. The camaraderie of dealers working together for the purpose of promoting their industry is a step in the right direction.  With English trade publications such as the Antiques Trade Gazette, Antiques News, and many other organizations giving publicity and support for the event, the trade and the public both receive the confidence of such endorsements.  The fact that the Chief Executive of…

I have felt a personal sense of consent after I read Souren Melikian’s article on “Navigating a Shrinking Art Market” in the October issue of Art + Auction Magazine. His commentary has taken on the conventional thinking about the industry and fashioned the reality of how it operates under the overextended auction duopoly.   I decided to write the Editor of the magazine a note on the article. Perhaps after you read my letter and read the article, you will understand that our industry is going to be changing in ways we never thought imaginable. Sir, This article represents a watershed in your publication’s acknowledging the corrupt and deceptive practices…

It depends on what you are looking for.  While the antiques market may be fickle, it is still a very viable market, with a definite supply and demand quotient.  However, the economic encumbrance of the present worldwide recession in consumer luxuries has had an outsized impact on this industry. As a fragmented industry, it has always been impossible to present a solid business image. As the only viable duopoly in the industry, Sotheby’s and Christie’s have attempted to innovate within the limits of their ability make their own rules and spin public relations.  Sotheby’s ability to make the secret reserve and irrevocable bid as plain vanilla deceptions comes to mind.…