The function of this document is to understand how the art and antiques
market has developed in the last ten years within new and old media, government
interaction, the structure, the volumes and monetary values. The discussion
investigates a number of areas that affect the way in which the trading market
function. It is not intended to understand the aesthetic appeal of art and/or
its appreciation of a particular artist, designer, genre or manufacturer.
The concept is to highlight a number of shortfalls and indicate the way in
which the art antiques and collectables markets may develop over the next
few years no matter the medium it is presented on.
Many assume that fragmented and traditionally cash based businesses within
the dealer and auction sections, function without the interaction of another
academic or business organisation. This may be the underlying reason for many
of the traders involvement within what is being quoted as a huge growth industry.
Therefore each segment of the market is discussed as a separate entity considering
the main factors that may have influenced the education or trading it contains.
The main area of focus is the low to mid net worth market. Avoiding the more
controversial flat art
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market that moves from continent to continent. This is
dependant on taxation or the wealth of the region and thus de-focusing the
discussion. Geographically the document revolves around the establishments
and businesses related to the antiques market within the United Kingdom and
the country’s involvement with the European community.