In recent years, the digital revolution of the art and auction industry has turned the tempo up to a rate of development that is in tune with our times and other sectors- think music, travel and the rest. A few years ago, Barnebys, opened up the world of auctions and put the customer first.
Of recent, Christie's and Sotheby's, the world's two oldest auction houses, have come under fire from the media and shareholders, as the old system of auctions has proved inflexible and does not aid the development of online strategies.
The hesitation of the art world to go big business online seems to have crumbled. Last year, the completely online-based auction house Auctionata, sold a Chinese Imperial Immortal Mountain Clock to the tune of €3.4 million - totally online.
I've said it before and I will continue to say it; it's not about being online or not. It is about being on both - clicks and bricks. Being art and antiques dealer today without an online strategy is like being an antique dealer without a store or warehouse.