Letters to the Editor

I have recently acquired this portrait miniature measuring 4 x 2½in (10 x 6.5cm) and I would be very interested to know if any of your readers can throw light on the identity of the sitter.

When the 2018 Ivory Act was being debated key campaigners (Born Free, many MPs including Angela Rayner and numerous celebrity supporters -notably Stephen Fry and Deborah Meaden) argued that the Act would IN NO WAY cause the destruction of antiques.

The majority of art dealers in the secondary market probably agree with Jeremy Taylor’s views on the Artist’s Resale Right (Letters, ATG No 2579) and had hoped that the Ivor Braka case (News, ATG No 2581) would be the start of a conversation.

Regarding Christopher Selkirk’s letter in ATG No 2580 enquiring about a painting by GH Warr, I have no idea who the sitter is but readers might be interested in new information on the artist.

I wonder if any of your readers might be able to identify the sitter in this painting.

Handel & Hendrix in London cares for and presents to the public the homes of two of the greatest musicians ever to have lived in London.

Your article in ATG No 2576 speculates that London and the UK might lose their prominence if the major antiques fairs close down.

I would like to express my sadness on the closing of Eric A Bird Jewellers of Lincoln (Fairs, Markets, Shops & Centres, ATG No 2574).

Thank you for taking up the irritating issue on behalf of your subscribers of eBay charging 20% VAT instead of the 5% directed by HMRC for antique items.

Re my letter: ‘Why does eBay charge incorrect import VAT?’ Letters, ATG No 2560). Just so you know, I never heard back from eBay, plus it seems they continue to charge the wrong 20% duty on most if not all antique items being sent into the UK.

I read in ATG Letters Nos 2564 and 2560 about the problem relating to VAT calculation from eBay.

The collection of the original Troika moulds, referenced in ATG No 2564, failed to find a buyer in our monthly auction in October.

This marvellous little object, 4in (10cm) long with no markings came in a box of goodies from an auction the other day.

I have just entered an early 19th century portrait miniature painted on ivory into my local auction and have been informed that, in order to enter it, I have to pay a £20 fee for it to be accepted for sale.

Re: use of dehumidifiers in old stonebuilt houses (Letters, ATG No 2567).

I believe the Bugatti sculpture pictured in ATG No 2569 (Sculpture special report) is a dachshund.

Neither a dealer nor a collector, I am nonetheless an avid reader of my weekly ATG for its wonderful variety of content.

On the subject of ‘gavel or hammer’, I say let the young auctioneer choose his or her own style.

I have a mystery drawing from 1934 judging by the date given next to the signature.

One of the masterpieces of printmaking in Prague during the reign of the Emperor Rudolf II (1576- 1612), and a highlight of the important exhibition 'Printmaking in Prague' held in the British Museum this summer, is the famous etching of the interior of the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle by Aegidius Sadeler II.