Antiques Trade Gazette-Do They Really Want Debate. A Letter To The Editor.

Sir,

How to become an art adviser (issue 2163 back page) read more like an advertisement for various self appointed art associations to my taste, than a informed and deliberate attempt to make a debate thereof.
There needs a full and frank assessment as to the varying degree of professional advice in the art market, that is without doubt. But this was not it.
In France auctioneers and valuers and advisers are regulated by law, here “anyone with a suit a business card or a well heeled handbag” can put themselves forward as an expert and set up an auction house.
This is where the real conflict lies, surely it is now time, that the art and auction market, which is now mostly online, that all auctioneers and advisers need to be regulated, and have to prove themselves.
A quick survey of estimates can be so hilarious, how can they be so wrong.
The quality advisers will have nothing to fear with another certificate to calm their clients nerves.
But will ATG pronounce the idea in light of the success of the saleroom.com.
The art market is full of ponzi schemes, we all know this but what the said article seems to pour scorn over is the un-calibrated power of professional hard working dealers, the ones who know all the tricks of the unregulated trade and will lead the client through the pitfalls of the art consultancy market in its present form. That don't get praise because they are just working hard. 
Though I concede the writer tried to mention this unregulated consultancy market but then went on to say he was invited into a private club closed to all but a lucky few.
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
Theorhetical Qualifications cannot buy experience in my opinion.

Please could we have a little less condescending articles based around how great someone with varying degrees of professional paid for education is.
Or how jolly wonderful the old school tie brigade who have run the trade for decades are.  
And could we have more about the passion of the trade and its collective experiences.
I think its time for regulation.
And a serious look into the auction market and how it can help auctioneers clients rather than themselves.
There is such a high level of knowledge in the antique trade so what would most reputable auctioneers have to worry about.
Now that's a real debate.

http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/should-uk-auctioneers-be-regulated.html