The British Art Market Federation (BAMF) was formed in 1996 to represent the interests of the UK’s large and diverse art and antiques market in its contacts with government.

BAMF’s members, which together represent all the major elements of this significant sector of the UK economy, are: The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association, The Antiquities Dealers Association, Bonhams, The British Antique Dealers’ Association, Christie’s, LAPADA – The Association of Art and Antique Dealers, Phillips, The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, The Society of London Art Dealers and Sotheby’s

The businesses involved in the UK’s art and antiques market vary in size, from the larger auction houses, employing several hundred full and part-time employees, to hundreds of small and medium sized businesses.

The British art and antiques market is comprised altogether of 7,850 businesses, providing direct employment for 41,420. It is the third largest art and antiques market in the world with a global share of 22%, and a 65% share of the European Union’s art and antiques market. Total sales in 2014 reached £9 billion. The British art market is unusual for being a global entrepot market place, and is therefore particularly active in cross-border trade. Works of art are sent to London from vendors throughout the world to take advantage in the UK’s expertise. In 2013, antiques and fine art to the value of £3,702 million were imported to the UK and the total value of exports was £4,498 million.

BAMF has involved itself in a wide range of issues affecting its members and has actively represented their interests in contacts with the British Government and the European Commission. It works closely with art market organisations in other European countries through its involvement in the European Art Market Coalition. BAMF’s primary objective is to ensure that the UK’s competitive position in the context of a global and highly mobile art market is maintained.

BAMF’s founding president, Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville, former Arts Minister retired in 2014 and was succeeded by Lord Inglewood, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of National Heritage (1995-1997) and Member of the European Parliament (1999- 2004). Anthony Browne, who has worked in the art market all his working life, has been executive chairman since 1996. He has represented BAMF on many government committees and acts as BAMF’s principal spokesman.