MADAM – Your new year’s resolutions piece (ATG No 2374) was thought-provoking, citing aspirations and concerns reflecting the current art and antiques market.
How refreshing, then, to read that Louise Gostelow of Dickins Auctioneers wishes to get back to our industry’s core values, despite the challenges of Brexit, GDPR and so on. I would like to add to her reference to a passion for handling art and antiques with a song of praise for so-called ‘brown furniture’ and an exhortation for the industry to make this stalwart of the chattels world a priority for 2019.
The fall in demand for antique furniture over the past 10-15 years is partly the result of how ‘fast furniture’ has been sold through heavy marketing. This advertising extols flatpack furniture for its look, availability and price.