Confidence in the LAPADA logo

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.

For information about becoming a member, please telephone the LAPADA office on 020 7823 3511 or email: drhodes@lapada.org or click on to Benefits of Membership.

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 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 or items - including the approximate date, any major restoration or alteration to the item since original manufacture - and the price paid.

By using the website LAPADA can put you in touch with members who can help you. Additionally you can find here details of LAPADA services and advice on a wide range of subjects related to art and antiques. Also see below for a full list of our office staff and directors. 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. The Association also works closely with many of the UK's major regional associations including:

The Cotswolds Antiques Dealers' Association (CADA),
The Thames Valley Antiques Dealers Association (TVADA),
Kensington Church Street Antique Dealers Association (KSSADA)
The Petworth Antiques Dealers' Association (PAADA),
The Portobello Road Antique Dealers Association (PADA).
West of England Antique Dealers' Association (WEADA).

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