Endangered species: ivory

Readers have contacted ATG asking for a definition of ‘museum quality’ – the term used by the British Art Market Federation in regards to those pieces of antique ivory it believes should be exempt from any proposed ban. Here we publish BAMF's exemption explanation as featured in its submission to DEFRA.

MADAM – Here’s an insight into my week. Tuesday: I receive my copy of Antiques Trade Gazette. I read it fairly thoroughly, often starting with Bid Barometer. Then with trepidation I move onto Letters, this week almost entirely devoted to ivory.

The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow is reviewing its approach to ivory after campaigners called for a ban of ivory objects on screen.

MADAM – Re: the British Art Market Federation (BAMF) proposal for exempting ‘museum-quality ivory’ from any ban (ATG No 2324), where does that leave us?

MADAM – This week I listened in utter disbelief as actress and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna spoke on Radio 4’s Today programme calling for the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow to no longer show any items which contain ivory elements.

MADAM – It is not clear from all the correspondence and articles in ATG as to whether the ivory ban will be limited to elephant and marine ivory and, if so, leaving one free to trade in items made from mammoth, warthog and hippo ivory.

The British Art Market Federation (BAMF) has explained how exemptions for antiques could work in practice once the government’s proposed ivory ban comes into effect.

Focus on ‘museum quality’ and certification, says British Art Market Federation...

Auctioneer and valuer association NAVA Propertymark does not agree with the terms of the ivory ban proposed by Defra and is calling for government to replicate existing ‘pre-1947’ rules.

Battle lines have been set during a House of Lords debate about the proposed ivory ban.

Copy of a letter to the proposed ivory ban consultation (which is now closed):

MADAM – The entirety of the antiques trade, past, present and especially future, should express considerable gratitude to Paul Moss, Philip Mould, Martin Levy and the rest who strove to counter the ignorance of, not only the general public, but of our law-makers in speaking to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the issue of the proposed blanket ban on the sale of elephant ivory within the UK (ATG No 2319).

Lord Carrington to argue for licensing system ahead of consultation closing date

MADAM – I write on behalf of Action for Elephants UK in response to Ian Harris’ letter published in ATG No 2320. Our group has been calling on the government to fulfil the promise made in two election manifestos and impose a total ban on the UK ivory trade.

MADAM – Here is the text of a letter sent to The Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham, The House of Lords: