The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers

The golden chandelier symbol displayed in a window or at a fair, is the sign of membership of LAPADA, the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers. Since its inception in 1974, LAPADA's membership has grown to over 600 members making it the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the United Kingdom. Although the majority of its membership is UK based, LAPADA also currently has 50 members in 16 other countries. Membership is only open to those who meet the Association's requirements as to experience, quality of stock and knowledge of their subject. Between them, members cover virtually every discipline from antiquities to contemporary fine art.

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. In the unlikely event of a dispute purchasers can make use of the Association's 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 all 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.

LAPADA is also a member of The British Art Market Confederation (BAMF) and Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art (CINOA), the body representing international antiques dealers' associations.

LAPADA Limited registered in England No.1168440.

Registered Office: 29 Martin Lane, London EC4R 0AU.

The Association of Art and Antique Dealers

The golden chandelier symbol displayed in a window or at a fair, is the sign of membership of LAPADA, the Association of Art and Antique Dealers. Since its inception in 1974, LAPADA's membership has grown to over 740 members making it the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the United Kingdom. Membership is only open to those who meet the Association's requirements as to experience, quality of stock and knowledge of their subject. Between them, members cover virtually every discipline from antiquities to contemporary fine art.

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's free Conciliation Service will ensure a fair and speedy investigation.

In November 2001 LAPADA signed an agreement with the Dutch dealer's association VNAG committing themselves to close co-operation with the ultimate aim of a full union. By combining to form Europe's first international dealers' association LAPADA and VNAG will provide a more efficient and effective service for both their members and the buying public.

LAPADA was founded in 1974 and although the majority of its membership is UK based, it also currently has 41 members in 16 other countries. VNAG was founded in 1968 and has 71 members.

Among its many day to day activities, LAPADA lobbies on issues affecting its members and the well-being of the British antiques trade as a whole.