The Association of Art & Antique Dealers

MEMBER OF

Members of LAPADA

The Association of Art & Antique Dealers

LAPADA is the largest professional trade association of art & antiques dealers in the UK. Over 500 dealers represent expertise across the entire spectrum of art and antique items: furniture, fine art, carpets, tapestries, antiquities, clocks, ceramics, decorative objects, silver and jewellery.

Membership is only offered to those who meet the Association’s strict membership criteria, regarding experience, quality of art & antiques and knowledge of their field. This is to underpin and ensure that the public know that, when they buy from a LAPADA member, they are purchasing exceptional quality and assurance, alongside their chosen piece.

LAPADA was the first antiques trade association to introduce a Code of Practice, the purpose of which is to reassure the public and give them confidence when they make a purchase from a member. All members have agreed to abide by this strict Code of Practice and in the unlikely event of a dispute, the Association offers a free Conciliation Service.

In addition to the protection afforded by the Code of Practice, all art and antiques dealers (unlike auctioneers whose Conditions of Sale protect them) must comply with consumer protection laws. The LAPADA Code of Practice also ensures that all items for sale in a member’s shop or at a fair must be clearly and correctly labelled including the price: LAPADA members are not permitted to use confusing codes.

When you buy from a LAPADA member you will be given a written invoice stating their trading name, address and telephone number, date of sale, brief description of the item(s) – including the approximate date, any major restoration or alteration to the item since original manufacture – and the price paid.