John James -This is one art buyer who will be avoiding the work of living artists.

DACS are now trawling art dealers’ websites for potential royalties. This morning I received an e-mail informing me  I ‘represent’ a certain artist, (deceased.)

So I labour for third and fourth generation families who have a vague notion that some grandparent removed, was an ‘artist’ of some description.

I rise early, put petrol in my car, travel, feed my self, pay the exhibition fee, labour putting everything together, pay for a hotel room etc., etc., and much more, all to help fund the lifestyle of someone sat at home in front of the television. I wonder if any of these beneficiaries would care to give me a percentage of the royalty in return for all my hard graft in funding their bank balance. I doubt it somehow.

I recall that shop and factory owners are not, it seems, allowed to play the radio to their staff and customers unless they purchase a licence. Anybody remember ‘Workers Playtime’ on the radio broadcast live from factories or even, perhaps, the wartime factories (before my time,) where the radio kept up everyone’s spirits? No licences needed then. Sadly, today, everyone has the eye for a quick penny, every corner and tiny crevice of potential profit is milked to absurdity and common sense goes out of the window. This European experiment has much to answer for especially this appalling piece of legislation. How many dealers are contemplating, ‘enough is enough?’

This is one art buyer who will be avoiding the work of living artists.

John James

http://www.signaturefineart.co.uk