With great anticipation the first results after the opening on Saturday 22 November 2008 of pAn-Amsterdam, Netherlands national art and antique fair, were eagerly welcomed.

The opening of the fair was attended by more invitees than the previous year and much to everybody’s relief sales really took-off. Within 5 minutes after the doors opened, deals were closed for fear of ‘merchandise’ running out, it would seem. Particular objects in the price range below the €25.000,- Has Christmas shopping made an early introduction or is it an indication that a new generation of buyers has discovered the love for the fine and decorative ?

Needless to say that quite a few pieces in the higher price range also found a new home. A stunning French Louis XV chandelier will shed some light on the diner parties of the new owner, the Scheringa Museum of Realism has expanded her collection with a Daniel Bodne and a rare 18th century silver box inlaid with mother-of-pearl will probably be placed under the Christmas tree in a few weeks.

Well received was the Design-pavilion presenting objects and furniture of Caspar Ansingh, Jean Prouvé, Deen Louis Poulsen, Richard Hutten and others. This clever introduction by the organisation attracted a new generation of buyers.

All in all a sigh of relief hit the trade in the LowLands follwing this weekend. Is it because alternative investments are being sought after or that people have realised that money on the bank or in stocks can never give the same pleasure as an aesthetic appealing piece of fine or decorative art.