A History of LAPADA Those who made huge contributions in the early
years included Geoffrey Yeo, Kevin Smith and Gor- don Savage, who quickly went from being a sceptic to an ardent supporter. They have been succeeded by many others, with Harvey Ferry, Edward Reilly-Col- lins, Michael Golding, John Dixon and Helen Linfield, amongst others, putting in long stints. Looking back, it’s impressive just how much was
achieved in the early years, both in terms of lobbying and providing benefits and services to members. Early newsletters are testament to the energy that went into campaigning. As early as February 1975, Ian Whitfield was issuing statements to the press association com- plaining of the methods of tax inspectors under the heading ‘VAT Gestapo Squad’. Within a short time many of the benefits still enjoyed
by members were already in place, with discounts on shipping, insurance, car hire and health cover. One of the earliest discounts offered was 20% off
the stand rates at the brand new Fine Art & Antiques Fair of Great Britain at Earls Court in June 1975. As a fair for the whole trade and a counterpoint to the Gros- venor House Fair that had been a showcase for the es- tablishment since the 1930s, this was strongly backed by LAPADA. The next year it moved to the larger hall at Olympia and went from strength to strength. And in case you were wondering, a 200sq ft stand at the first Olympia (including 15% LAPADA discount) cost £614. By 1977 the membership had grown to over 700 and
LAPADA could truly claim to be the biggest dealer or- ganisation and the voice of the trade. At this point Ian Whitfield stepped back from the association to con- centrate on his new project, the Knightsbridge Pavil- ion Antiques Centre opposite Harrods.
Above Malcolm Hord (left) became LAPADA’s first CEO in 1993. At a time of increasing legislative threats to the trade, he formalised the association’s links both nationally and internationally, being instrumental in the forming of the British Art Market Federation and gaining LAPADA’s acceptance to CINOA, the international association for dealers. He is shown here with his wife Liz, Anthony Browne, chairman of the British Art Market Federation (centre left) and LAPADA chairman Lord Gillmore.
He stressed the need for boosting public confi-
dence, overseeing the introduction of a stricter code of practice with greater emphasis on the need for all members to clearly display their prices. It was under his chairmanship that the association recruited its first Chief Executive, Malcolm Hord, in 1993. He will be particularly remembered for his efforts to find common ground with other trade bodies and forge stronger links outside the UK as it became clear that dealers would be increasingly affected by mea- sures which originated not in Whitehall but in Brussels. At home the Conservative government was prepared
Above Lord Derwent brought streamlined business practices to the association as its second chairman from 1989 to 1995. With high level diplomatic and business experience, he did much to promote LAPADA’s interests in Whitehall and Europe.
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to listen to the concerns of trade associations, but only if they were presented with a single voice. Malcolm was instrumental in establishing the British Art Market Federation in 1996. Under the chairmanship of Antho- ny Browne this brought together not only LAPADA and BADA, but the fine art, book and antiquities trade bod- ies and (wonder to behold) the major auctioneers and auctioneer associations.
Autumn 2014
Though Whitfield was taking a back seat, the Pa- vilion on Brompton Road became LAPADA’s new HQ, ideally situated above the International Antique Deal- ers and Collectors Club and the Antiques Centre. Busi- ness continued there until 1982 when a fire closed the premises and the office moved temporarily to Cheval Place before finally settling into the association’s cur- rent headquarters on the King’s Road. From these premises LAPADA continued to make
waves and cement its reputation as the most active as well as the largest trade association. Lord Derwent succeeded Sir Frederick Corfield as chairman in 1989 and brought new business ideas, in- troducing himself to the membership with the words, “The dealer that does not become thoroughly profes- sional will go to the wall….”
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