After gaining a Diploma in Travel and Tourism and working for the Italian Tourist board in London I noticed a small advert in the local paper advertising a position for a bilingual administrator to join a shipping company in Dorset. This turned out to be Alan Franklin Transport, one of the biggest names in shipping, specialising in works of art and antiques. After nearly ten years working for AFT
an opportunity presented itself where I was asked by one of their clients if I would be interested in driving them around London and the UK. It was something I really enjoyed and I soon built up a list of clients. This gave me the idea of promoting Italy as a logical destination for buying antiques, something which would allow me to combine the experience gained with AFT with my background in travel and tourism. Athough already popular with antique dealers and interior designers, most traders would not venture much further then the fair in Parma or maybe the well trodden routes of Florence or Milan. I knew there was a gap in the market for someone with local knowledge who would be able to guide and advise clients on all aspects of buying and shipping antiques in Italy and that is where it all started. I now plan and organise buying trips based on clients needs and budget. It could be a short weekend trip based around Tuscany or a full ten day tour incorporating places such as Naples, Rome, Lucca, Florence, Fossano, Venice and more. Not only I can offer a courier service but, once the buying trip is over, I can also liaise closely with the shipper of your choice in order to make sure all goods are delivered safely and that Belle Arti regulations are complied with. Antiques and fine art over a certain age require what is commonly known as a Belle Arti export licence in order to leave the country and this is also something I can advise on.
