Art of disruption: tech to shake up sector resistant to change

Imagine bidding on a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci via a tap of your fingertips while lying in bed. A decade ago, this scenario would have sounded crazy to a lot of people, but there are plenty of tech companies keen to make it happen. The art market is famously resistant to change, but even established art businesses are feeling the force of new technologies. High rents in art market centres are one reason, as mid-range galleries are increasingly interested in selling online. There is also the need to cater to the next generation of collectors, many of whom are more comfortable browsing a desired collectible on their smartphone rather than walking in to a gallery.