History
The Irish Antique Dealers Association was officially born on the 6th May 1969.
It was formed by the original subscribers who were at that time the backbone of the Irish Antique Trade, namely;
George Stacpoole of Limerick………..still trading and current President of the IADA
Leonard Clarke of Cork..…………….still trading in Canada & an Honorary Life President
Gerald Kenyon of Dublin………….. …retired and a current Vice President
John O’Reilly of Dublin..………………deceased. His daughter Fiona still trades.
Hyman Danker of Dublin………………business still trading, being run by Joy Danker
Ronald McDonnell of Dublin………….deceased
Paul Johnston of Dublin……………….business still trading, being run by Paul & Chris Johnston
Alec Wine of Dublin………………….deceased.
As you can see the antique business, like its stock in trade, goes on and on!
One of the main reasons for its formation is given in its Memorandum as;
“To promote just and honourable practices in the Antique Trade and to suppress any malpractices”
“To promote settlement of disputes by reconciliation or arbitration”
“To sponsor or organise lectures for the diffusion or improvement of knowledge regarding Antiques”
aspirations which are just as worthy and enduring today as ever they were.
The original Officers were;
Hon. Life President; Harry Wine
President; Ronald A McDonnell
Vice Presidents; Alex Wine & Tony Thomson
Honorary treasurer; Leonard Clarke
Secretary; John O’Reilly
Council Members; H. Danker, G. Kenyon, P. Johnston, G. Stacpoole & R. MacHenry
The Irish Antique Dealers Association was one of the first truly all Ireland bodies, having 2 Belfast dealers, Tony Thompson as Vice President and Robert MacHenry, a Council Member.
Originally, in 1970 there were approximately 25 members of the IADA, a number which has since grown to around 80 Members in 2009.
The IADA Council continues to monitor legislation which affects Antiques, should it arise in Ireland or the E.U. and prides itself in being the Body the Government has consulted on many occasions regarding proposed legislation affecting antiques. For example, the EU recently introduced a ban on mercury which would have prohibited the trade in antique mercurial barometers. The IADA was jointly responsible for securing an exemption from the EU which now permits the sale of antique barometers.
The IADA is also a member of CINOA, Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d’Art.
CINOA is the umbrella body of Antique & Fine Art Associations throughout the world. Its members comprise 31 Art and Antique Associations from 21 countries and are drawn from Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Republic of Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia & CIS, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
The IADA is now celebrating its 40th birthday and still going strong. In another 60 short years it will be an antique itself!
