President's Message
Welcome to the website of the Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association (AAADA). Never has it been a more opportune time for the purchase of Antiques and Fine Art. Antiques and fine art, from ancient to the most cutting edge contemporary pieces represent real values, real materials and a set of ideas valued as the essence of human culture. This situation of ecological viability, cultural awareness and relevance to our times can only become manifold with time. For many, the purchase of an antique or work of art represents a critical life achievement, or a delightful addition to ones life. Never has the need to 'get it right' been more imperative and the need to make sense of contemporary life vibrantly and thoughtfully, through human culture, a must. Few marvellous interiors hold together without content or reference to antiques and fine art.
The AAADA is your guarantee of quality, knowledge and integrity. Through its members, international affiliate Associations and our web portal we invite you to find what you seek. Whether as a first time purchaser, seeking knowledge of an essential object or work of art, to the most seasoned collector, we hope to help and further your search.
Formed in 1992, the AAADA was the coming together of smaller state Associations, augmented more than 40 years ago, in the collective desire to take to the furtherest point, the understanding and dissemination of knowledge and collecting in the fields of antiques and fine art. With over 130 national members, the AAADA represents Australia's leading specialists in antiques and fine art. Members of the AAADA have written and continued to publish the major texts relevant to Australian collectors. AAADA members are called upon by all of Australia's leading public collecting institutions for their knowledge, and by Customs, Taxation and Government departments. Dealing with a member of the AAADA draws on all of this knowledge base, plus your purchase is guaranteed and your transaction professional. The AAADA is your brand for quality.
Often members of the AAADA meet people who are new, keen and curious to purchase and collect antiques and fine art. Ultimately, through trust and, education, these relationships become those of a lifetime. Many of our client relationships, span generations. This demonstrates the excellence within their field that members of the AAADA offer to clients. Unlike any other way of purchasing antiques and fine art.
On our website you will also find an essential list of service providers - conservators, customs and insurance agents, upholsterers, interior designers, decorators, all whom service the AAADA members and the public, representing the finest in their fields. Their work brings your purchases to life, and ensures their ongoing enjoyment.
Members of the AAADA must adhere to a strict moral Code of Practice, in order to command the respect and confidence of their clients. Membership is competitive. Members who do not adhere to this Code of Practice are expelled from the Association. This is essential to the relationship between buyers, collectors and sellers of antiques and fine art, upon whom trust is placed.
The AAADA since 2001 showcases its members and their respective fields of expertise at the Australian Antique & Art Dealers Association Show in Sydney. This is acknowledged as the finest event of its sort held annually in Australia. The only event of its type fully vetted for quality and description.
I invite you to explore the AAADA webpage, and to purchase from our members, wonderful objects and works of art. An astonishing range of people, from all walks of life - our clients - find from this comes extraordinary joy, fulfilment and understanding of life. How can you not partake?
Warwick Oakman
President