LAPADA Fair Postponed until 2021

LAPADA – the Association of Art and Antiques Dealers, has confirmed that its annual fair, due to be held in Mayfair from September 18 to 23, will be postponed until 2021. For the past 10 years, LAPADA has held the event in the prestigious setting of Berkeley Square and the organisation said it looked forward to returning in the near future.

LAPADA CEO, Freya Simms, commented: “With the uncertainty still surrounding how live events can operate due to Covid-19, coupled with the strain it has put on our members’ retail businesses we do not feel it is appropriate to progress with plans for the LAPADA Fair this September.

She continued: “It has been a difficult decision, but ultimately was unanimous by our board of directors, representing the interests of our members.  We are developing other ways to support our membership at this difficult time and believe that our efforts need to focus on the immediate needs of our members and the wider trade.”

LAPADA moved quickly to support its membership as the lockdown was imposed. Amongst its initiatives have been a series of webinars to help members amplify themselves through social media and digital initiatives as well as practical workshops on PR, newsletters and photography.

Its latest initiative – LAPADA Leaders – sees Freya Simms in conversation with captains of culture to share ideas, trends and best practise between complementary disciples, featuring Tristram Hunt, Kelly Hoppen, Katharine Pooley, Sandy Nairne, Caro Howell, Goodwood’s James Peill and Scott MacDonald of Buccleugh Estates with further speakers due to be announced. The webinars are available to all with pre-registration via lapada.org/lapadaleaders. Previous conversations can be viewed via Youtube .