Antiques dealer: Job description and activities

Antiques dealers buy and sell art and antiques, usually specialising in one or more of the following areas:

ceramics;
glass;
paintings;
sculpture;
clocks;
books.

The role varies depending on the size of the company. Whilst there are a number of large businesses that employ 30 - 40 members of staff, the majority of art and antiques dealers work in very small teams.

Typical work activities include:

representing artists whose work the dealer sells (primary market);
buying from auctions and private sales (secondary market);
establishing and maintaining a network of contacts;
visiting salesrooms and auction houses;
dealing with customers;
undertaking accounting and administration duties;
carrying out minor restoration work.

This is a competitive and highly commercial industry, with the majority of roles based in family businesses. To get started as a dealer, considerable capital is needed. Work experience with an established company is recommended.

For more information see Commercial art gallery manager.

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