We round off this week’s interviews with Guy Schooling, Chairman and Head Specialist, Art & Antiques at Sworders fine art auctioneers. https://www.sworder.co.uk
What have you been up to during lockdown?
Who would have thought running what was basically a shut down business could be so time consuming? In between putting extraordinary new procedures in place and keeping staff and clients informed of the constantly changing landscape I very much enjoyed being at home amid the glorious Suffolk landscape especially in the wonderful April and May sunshine. My wife found a constant supply of jobs to keep me occupied once she could tear me from my laptop.
Is there anything in particular that you have learned from the last few months?
I have confirmed my view that we have a wonderful team at Sworders, one of my initial challenges was keeping them away from the saleroom once furloughed.
I have discovered that it is perfectly possible for me and several members of the team to work from home. This is certainly something that we will do more from now on.
I have learned to Zoom! It has its obvious advantages and disadvantages, too much time doing so leads to Zoom brain, a newly discovered syndrome which leads to the brain turning to mush.
How do you think the art industry will change going forward?
Inevitable change has been accelerated, what in the normal course of events may have taken 3/5 years has, remarkably, happened in 3/5 weeks.
Timed auctions, even more reliance on online sales and all that entails are hear to stay.
Do you have any advice that you would give to people entering the industry?
Good luck, entering the business during the next few months will be tricky, however do not give up. As an industry we need the energy and enterprise of the young.
Be keen and enthusiastic, be tech savvy, specialise, then call Sworders
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