The Asian fair was launched with 14 exhibitors last June at the Commonwealth Centre in Kensington where it ran in tandem with the Haughtons’ long-established International Ceramics Fair and Seminar.
There has been concern from many members of the trade over the implications and application of the new Act, which became law in England last December. But there will be some surprise that fear of prosecution was so rife it led to a fair’s cancellation. There has been no sign of panic in the Asian or antiquities trade in the capital and major selling exhibitions in both fields have been lined up for the summer.
What is more, prominent international dealers in early Chinese ceramics, one of the areas most targeted by the Act, will be exhibiting at both Olympia and Grosvenor House in June. However, a spokesman for the Haughtons says: “It is hoped that in time the practical application of the law will enable the fair to be reinstated”.
London Asian fair cancelled
ORGANISERS Brian and Anna Haughton have cancelled this summer’s London Asian Art Fair citing trade uncertainties over The Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act as the reason.
