Guild of Art Scholars,
Dealers & Collectors
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Membership is open to those engaged in the study, curation, collection and trade in antiques, antiquities and objects of decorative and applied art. It also welcomes those engaged in the many associated support businesses such as restoration and conservation, insurance, event organisation, tax and legal advice, packing and shipping.
The Guild is unique in bringing together such a range and depth of knowledge and expertise. The membership is united in a shared enjoyment of the past and a desire to encourage appreciation and knowledge of the decorative arts, now and in the future. As a result, meetings are not only convivial but always provoke a lively and productive exchange of views.
It is the Guild’s aim to sustain and enhance the standing of those employed in this sector by recognising past achievements and by fostering future excellence through scholarship.
These ends are furthered by the Guild’s charitable funds which provide a number of educational bursaries as well as supporting publications, exhibitions and other projects.
The Guild takes a wide view of the role of the decorative arts in the community, encouraging diversity and good citizenship.
It is the Guild’s aim to progress to Company status during 2009 and to reach full Livery status in due course.
The Guild has taken its emblem from a marble head of Mithras discovered during the excavation of the late Roman temple of Mithras just off Queen Victoria Street after the Second World War and is now in the Museum of London.
Mithras was a complex cult figure embodying light, truth and
regeneration.
To the Guild of Art Scholars this emblem represents the history which lies
everywhere beneath the surface of the City of London.