Archive for May, 2008
The Hobbs Antiques Dealer Scandal; Desperate Times
Saturday, May 24th, 2008The New York Times lead article in the Friday (5/23/08) Arts section profiled the alleged deception by the English dealer John Hobbs on the authenticity of the items they sold. Dealers of high end antiques know that it is rare to find any item in perfect condition, with absolutely no restoration or repair. For that [...]
Antiques Shows, Not Attracting the Young
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008I generally like reading the Maine Antiques Digest and its editorials, letters to the Editor, and general interest news on the trade. The paper’s (6/2008) editorial expressed the antiques industry’s need for vibrant shows to attract customers to spend their money. But discounting tickets or free admission into these events will not entice buyers. Antique [...]
The New Economics of the Decorative and Fine Arts
Thursday, May 1st, 2008In an intriguing article in Art + Auction magazine, Dr. Clare McAndrew, an art market economist who runs the research and consulting firm Arts Economics, offered an interesting perspective on the economic fluctuations of the art world. Dr. McAndrew explained the extent to which the decorative arts have been drastically overwhelmed in dollar value by [...]