LONDON.- The British Antique Dealers’ Association announced the election of Louise Phillips as the Association’s new Chairman. Her appointment marks the first time that a woman has held this position since the association was founded in 1918.

Louise is a second-generation dealer in the company of Elaine Phillips Antiques, which was established by her mother (Elaine) in the 1960’s, and specialises in 17th and 18th century oak furniture and associated decorative items.

After a successful career in PR & Marketing in the fashion industry, Louise joined the family business in 1985, and was responsible for launching an interior design and project management service which runs in tandem and has represented major clients both in the UK and throughout Europe.

Based near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, Louise has played a very active role in the administration of the BADA serving as a Council Member and Northern Regional Representative since 2012, and more recently as Chairman of BADA’s member-led PR & Marketing Committee.

Louise replaced Chairman Michael Cohen, who will step down from the role after a seven-year tenure, on Tuesday 1 December 2020 at the BADA’s AGM.

Speaking of her appointment, Louise said: “I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead our association through the next phase of its development. It is more than 40 years since my mother was first elected to BADA membership in 1977 and 21 years since I was elected in my own right.

“The closure of shops, fairs and exhibitions has presented tremendous challenges for the trade this year, but with the development of the Association’s online marketplace www.bada.org we are seeing an encouraging increase in online sales, helping us reach new clients and customers worldwide.

“2020 and the Covid pandemic has had a disastrous effect on the trade and speaking as a dealer whose sole income, like many dealers, is our business, it is essential that the BADA support our members and colleagues through the difficult months ahead.

“One of my priorities as Chairman, once travel restrictions ease, will be to meet with all our members, particularly in the Provinces, to listen to and discuss their thoughts and expectations, so that I can be a voice not just for members of the British Antiques Dealers’ Association but hopefully as a representative for the antiques trade as a whole.”