In essence, AAA has widened its focus from promoting the UK regional auction business in China to include a UK and European remit.
The 13 salerooms, smaller than its previous incarnation of 20, have appointed Halls’ fine art director Jeremy Lamond as chairman with Nick Toovey of Toovey’s and David Parker, general manager at Canterbury Auction Galleries, as deputy chairmen.
In a statement to its members the group said: “It is appropriate to share the strength of our association not only to raise our profiles in the UK but also in a changed European landscape.”
Lamond told ATG: “We will no longer be only focused on China and Asian art. Instead we will work on joint commercial ventures that will benefit our members, from exhibitions, advertising and marketing to sharing resources, where appropriate, such as legal, IT, services and transport to spread the cost.”
Asian art viewing
Lamond added: “While we have a set of regulations for members to follow, we are a commercial venture designed to complement other organisations such as SOFAA and NAVA.”
The relaunched group will hold its first event during Asian Art Week where it will take space at Rountree Tryon gallery in London.
Future activities will include taking stands at fairs, exhibitions and galleries and will look to work with groups overseas.
Members pay a subscription fee of £50 a month and auctioneers can apply but will need to be seconded by an existing member.
The membership of AAA now comprises: Anderson & Garland, Canterbury Auction Galleries, Cheffins, Chorley’s, Ewbank’s, Fellows, Forum Auctions, Halls, Lawrences of Crewkerne, Peter Wilson Auctioneers, Sworders, Roseberys and Toovey’s.
