Letters to the Editor

Our selection of reader letters summing up the issues that roused your passions in 2017...

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:

MADAM – In your recent jewellery special (ATG No 2318, page 27) you review items recently sold by Lawrences of Crewkerne.

MADAM – In the ivory debate, the argument concerning cultural vandalism has been made effectively. The financial loss to collectors and dealers has been well aired.

MADAM – Theft at an antiques fair is bad enough, but when it involves the memory of a First World War hero and a slice of our patriotic and social history, it is abhorrent.

MADAM – Re: your piece on card fee changes (News, ATG No 2316) and in particular to Greg Bateman’s (Batemans Auctioneers) and Simon Chislett’s (Mallams) comments about passing on the charges to buyers.

MADAM – I cannot believe that I am the only one amused, confused and puzzled by your report (ATG No 2317) of the magnificent lacquer panel by the Japanese master Shibata Zeshin being chosen as the “outstanding work offered by an auction house” and gaining for Bonhams the Asian Art in London award at this autumn’s festival.

MADAM – I wrote to my MP in February regarding the ivory issue and his reply stated that the consultation was going to be on ‘modern’ ivory!

MADAM – I’m amazed at the lack of common sense that pervades the ivory debate. The only thing that will save live elephants is to stop the poaching.

MADAM – I was interested to read about good practice in regards to credit and debit card chargebacks (ATG No 2316).

In ATG No 2316, on page 7, you report on a failure of due diligence over Alfred Wallis fakes (one pictured below).

MADAM – Four years ago I was told by other dealers and auctioneers there was nothing to worry about in regards to a ban on antique ivory.

MADAM – One would not expect a leading broadsheet to indulge in fake news, yet this regrettably occurred at the conclusion of a report in 'The Times' on ivory poaching by Aislinn Laing, who writes from Nairobi: “This month the UK announced the closure of its legal market in antique ivory” (October 25).

MADAM – Recently there have been several national press reports claiming that the UK is the world’s largest exporter of ivory. I felt your readers should know that this is not accurate.

MADAM – I have for some years owned an oil by Dorothea Sharp which bears the stamp above on the reverse twice: on the canvas and on the stretcher. It says: Collection of Wilfred Tomlinson.

MADAM – Re: the proposed ban on the UK ivory trade, will mammoth ivory be exempt or have the same rules applied to it?

MADAM – Regarding the ivory consultation (ATG No 2312), I despair that sound pragmatic arguments have been overwhelmed by unproven and exaggerated links to the poaching problem.

MADAM – Some years ago, when I had a gallery in the King’s Road, a sculpture came up at auction which I missed, but shortly afterwards discovered to have been important.

MADAM – It was interesting to read Bruce Parker’s Antiques Roadshow memories (‘All areas of the trade have done well’ out of Roadshow, says first presenter’, Letters, ATG No 2310).