CZECH ASSOCIATION OF ANTIQUE DEALERS

Czech Association of Antique Dealers was established in 1991 and its first Assembly and Elections were held in the very beginning of 1992. The membership is open not only to antique & art dealers but also to restorers, experts and collectors. The Association has selected as its symbol the portrait of Rudolf II (1552-1612), the Holy Roman Emperor, an important supporter of arts and also an important collector. The membership today stands at around 200. The Association is managed by elected board which meets monthly. The main achievements of the Association to date can be divided into several categories.

Firstly, the Association managed to establish working structure and to establish itself as an important professional body representing the interests of art and antique dealers. It has also been recognised as an important body by different state institutions and increasingly is being invited for consultations on new legislation. Internationally the achievements of the Czech Association were recognised by being accepted into CINOA in 1996. Ever since then it has been one of the priority areas to contribute internationally to the improvement of trading conditions.

Secondly, and undoubtedly one of their biggest achievements, the Association has established and is running a comprehensive educational system that is being accredited by the Ministry of Education. The most important and unique is “four year day course” which is concluded by school leaving examination. This is equivalent to any other secondary education. Most students are between the age 14 to 18 and their qualification will enable them to work in antique shops and galleries, etc. The classes cover History of Art, Collecting, Care of Historical Monuments and Connoisseurship. Part of the course is Professional Training which from the 2nd year onwards takes place with selected dealers for 1 day a week. The first students graduated in spring of 1997. By mid 2005 more than 110 students have completed this 4 year course. The second type is so called Rudolfin Academy which offers two year distance requalification course concluded by examinations. Students – typically dealers and collectors - have a chance to obtain specialist knowledge in different fields. The school year 2005/2006 has opened with 165 students, and with the number of accepted students growing each year the Association is unable to meet the demand.

Thirdly, the Association is running the biggest antique trade fair in the Czech Republic “ANTIQUE”. This fair takes place in the functionalist exhibition hall “Manes” on the banks of the River Vltava in Prague. By the end of 2005, 16 fairs took place increasing in popularity and quality of goods from year to year. The dates of fairs throughout 2006 are as follows: 11th to 15th May and 9th to 13th November 2006. For updated information and dates for 2007 please see the Association’s website.

Last but not least, the Association is awarding its own title the “Knights of Golden Rudolf II”. So far 10 personalities who have made substantial contribution to the development of art & antique trade, preservation and exhibiting of antique and art objects have been awarded this honour.