In this episode, Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down in her home in Venice with long-time friend Robert Schreuder. Robert is a Dutch dealer who began as a lawyer, but after 6 years working at a law firm thought, “Well, this is not all there is in life.” After studies in Leiden, Bordeaux and Bologna, alongside his legal work, Robert threw himself into building an antiques business from scratch. He has created an extraordinary collection specializing in the Grand Tour and Empire period. Toma and Robert discuss the Grand Tour and the antiques that come from this tradition.

“When you are an antiques dealer, you sell an object, but you sell much more. You sell the story around the object. You sell emotion.” Robert explains. One of Robert’s specialties is in Grand Tour souvenirs and this niche is foundational to Robert’s business. Toma and Robert deep dive into the power of niche–how bringing your passions into your business is not limiting your success but actually fine tuning it. People recognize your brand. They remember you. When you are enthusiastic about what you are selling, that is actually what attracts your clients. 

The two touch on important topics such as how the value changes depending on where you buy it, who you’re selling it to, what your brand is, what marketing you have around your brand, and how these things determine what you’re able to charge for the object. These are all nuances in the industry that help a fledgling dealer find their place in the chain. While many dealers Toma speaks with are running multi-generational businesses, Robert has built his business from the ground up and offers unique insight to individuals breaking into the business. 

This episode is a history lesson, an antiques dealer how to, and a warm conversation among friends all wrapped into one action packed hour. For more information on Robert Schreuder and his antiques business, go to robertschreuder.com or follow him on Instagram @grand_tour_antiques_amsterdam