Interview with Heinz Schnock

What was your most exciting or craziest day at Koelnmesse?

The most exciting day was in 1983 at the general meeting of the Federal Association of German Galleries and Art Dealers (BVDG). At this meeting, the BVDG decided to stop alternating between Cologne and Düsseldorf, in Cologne’s favour. The International Art Market was renamed ART COLOGNE and has been held annually in Cologne ever since.

What encounter will stay with you forever?

I will always remember the personal tour we gave German President Richard von Weizsäcker of what was at that time the West German Art Fair. We always gave the German President a chance to visit before the official opening hours.

What was your funniest experience?

Koelnmesse used to organise company outings, one of which ended in the “Panoramarestaurant” with a Bläck Fööss concert.

What is your favourite trade fair and why?

My favourite trade fair is ART COLOGNE. I helped to organise the first International Art Market in 1978 and managed to get the trade fair to take place exclusively in Cologne from 1984. I’m still extremely proud of that today.

Did you have any particularly positive interpersonal encounters that have stayed with you?

I met my wife at ART COLOGNE in 1994. We got married in 1996.