The French auction system could be set for more reform with a draft bill recommending further change due to be launched later this month, writes Roland Arkell.
For many years Conseil des Ventes, the auction house watchdog, has been calling for the relaxing of the legal framework that surrounds art and antiques sales, bringing the French system closer to ‘the Anglo-Saxon model’ that is ba s ed primar i ly on self-regulation.
Last year the minister of justice, Nicole Bel loubet, launched a fact-finding mission charging two lawyers with the creation of a report completed in December.