LONDON.- The UK’s leading Art, Antiques & Antiquarian associations are establishing a joint task force to work towards closer cooperation, after the ABA Council (the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association) agreed to the establishment of a formal Memorandum of Understanding with BADA.

Founded in 1918, to fight against Prime Minister Lloyd George’s plans to introduce a tax on antiques, BADA represents the leading members of the fine art and antiques community, priding itself on the expertise, exceptional stock and exemplary business practices of its members.

The ABA is the senior trade body for dealers in antiquarian books and manuscripts, with a membership extending throughout the UK and to many of the world’s leading booksellers. The ABA has been setting the industry standard for expertise and integrity for over a century.

Currently BADA and the ABA collaborate as members of BAMF and the new agreement is designed to help support both membership groups and establish a broader cooperation between the two industry leading associations.

The new initiative will allow members of both bodies to gain access to each other’s annual Fairs, cooperate on seminars and workshops and benefit from joint promotional activity. ABA members will also be able to take part in the forthcoming BADA Auctions and work together on campaigning and lobbying projects such as the #MakeTaxFair campaign.

A joint task force will shortly be meeting to explore further areas of cooperation and integration between the memberships and associations.

Michael Cohen, BADA Chairman, said: “I am very happy to be working with an association that shares our values of expertise, excellence, experience and ethical trading, and I look forward to a new era of cooperation that will enhance the benefits of both our memberships.”

Michael (Oscar) Graves-Johnston, ABA President, said: “Our collaboration with BADA can only enhance both associations. I believe we will mutually benefit from each other’s knowledge and acumen, to promote and maintain our very highest standards.”

Angus O’Neill, ABA Vice-President, said: "Our members are under a lot of pressures at the moment, from market forces to ill-considered legislation. BADA have an impressive team, and we share so many values that it makes perfect sense to work together. I'm looking forward to it!"

Marco Forgione, BADA CEO, said: “The art, antique and antiquarian book industries are going through a period of exceptional change.

“BADA and the ABA working more closely is not only a reaction to the changing environment, or a response to new challenges, it is our two associations shaping the emerging landscape.

As the two leading, aspirational associations our members represent the leaders in their fields.

“By joining forces and cooperating more closely, BADA and ABA are better serving our members, giving a stronger voice to our industry, and we are establishing a more vibrant community of experts from whom buyers and collectors can source the finest quality items.

“I’m looking forward to working with the great team at ABA.”