LONDON, November 10-- Antiques and fine art are proving to be excellent investments, even in the current economy. Sales and attendance hit record levels at the 2009 British Antique Dealers' Association Antiques & Fine Art Fair. According to the BADA Fair's Director, Gillian Craig, dealers expect the 2010 event to be highly successful, as interest in fine antiques expands globally and antiques continue to hold their value. Britain's most prestigious national antiques fair, the BADA Antiques
& Fine Art Fair will be held in London from March 17-23, 2010.
"As the global market expands, so does interest in fine European antiques among collectors and investors from Asia and Eastern Europe," Ms. Craig says. "Quality antiques hold their value, make exclusive and exceptional gifts, and can be authenticated by experts in the field." Despite the global recession in 2008 and 2009, the BADA Fair drew a record number of attendees and sales with many new buyers from China, India and Russia. Sales in fine paintings increased, including a watercolor by J.M.W. Turner that sold for £75,000. "Increasingly, buyers realize that fine art and antiques are a good investment and are willing, even in the current economic climate, to pay for top quality," says Gillian Craig.
As with any investment, buyers are urged to learn as much as they can about the particular genre of antiques that interests them. A major antiques fair, such as the BADA Fair, offers opportunities to meet dealers, see the finest antiques and hear talks by experts in their fields.
While collectibles and memorabilia differ from antiques, these too have grown in value because of their association with a famous person or event. The BADA Fair's special exhibition, Heroes or Villains?, is a private collection of celebrity memorabilia assembled by David Gainsborough Roberts. It will feature historic items belonging to some of the most celebrated and infamous figures of the past two centuries - among them, royalty, film stars, murderers, dictators and war heroes.
This pink sapphire ring, once worn by Elvis Presley, is part of the BADA Fair's special exhibit, Heroes or Villains?, a private collection of celebrity memorabilia. These include a silver cigar case belonging to Oscar Wilde, a pink sapphire ring worn by Elvis Presley, a watch used by bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde and the coronation robes of Richard John Lucan the 7th Earl of Bingham, who disappeared in 1974 after being accused of the murder of his children's nanny and attempting to kill his wife. In time, some of these items will become valued antiques, such as Wilde's silver cigarette case, which was given to him by his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas.
Following are BADA Fair's Top Ten Reasons why antiques and fine art are an interesting investment that will provide pleasure for years to come and may even increase in value.
Ten Reasons Antiques & Fine Art
Are Good Investments
1. Antiques are unique objects: the perfect antidote to a world of mass production and consumerism.
2. The interest in art and antiques is expanding globally. Fine art and antiques are newly popular in countries with growing economies such as China, Russia, India and Southeast Asia.
3. A wedding gift of a quality antique is more than a present - it is a gift that will outlast more conventional presents to become a family heirloom and may increase in value.
4. Antiques are "green" and sustainable.
5. A gift of an antique, or a fine painting or sculpture is the perfect way for a company to mark an anniversary, a merger, a new product launch or to recognize a leading client or staff member.
6. The fine craftsmanship of antiques can add to their investment value.
7 . Art and antiques can be more than a monetary investment - they are both aesthetic and functional as part of a home or office interior.
8. Companies can make a strong statement by using art and antiques as part of their office interior design.
9. Collectibles and celebrity memorabilia may also increase in value, especially if connected with a famous person or historic event. Some objects will, with time, become bona fide antiques.
10. Buying from members of recognized trade associations, such as the BADA, provides invaluable opportunity to learn about art and antiques from the industry experts, before purchasing/investing.
Now in its 18th successful year, the British Antique Dealers' Association Antiques & Fine Art Fair will bring the best in antiques and fine art to London's Duke of York Square in Chelsea from March 17-23, 2010. Britain's premier national antiques and fine art fair, the BADA Fair showcases merchandise from 100 leading members of the British Antique Dealers' Association.
The finest in furniture, pictures, silver, ceramics, clocks, jewelry and works of art will be on display. All items are vetted by the BADA to ensure the highest quality. A shipper is on site to expedite packing, paperwork and shipping.
Admission to the BADA Fair is £10 per person ($20), £15 ($30) for two. Admission includes one beautifully photographed BADA Handbook, re-entry passes and a chance to enter the prize draw for a two-night stay in a Relais & Chateaux hotel in the UK. Tickets can be ordered on line at http://www.bada-antiques-fair.co.uk/.
