China begins phased ivory ban
Phase 3 involves the “legitimate collection of ivory and products” which would now be subject to “strict management” the Chinese government said.
Without an explicit reference to the word ‘antique’, the statement said that ivory objects can continue to be auctioned if they are identified and licensed as “ivory relics” by professional accreditation bodies.
Phase 1 of the government’s plan is to end the sale and processing of modern ivory, involving the closure of 34 processing factories and 143 trade venues, by 31 March.
OBE for Logsdail
LISSON Gallery co-founder Nicholas Logsdail received an OBE for services to the arts in the New Year Honours list.
He co-founded the London gallery in 1967 and has championed the careers of artists including sculptor Anish Kapoor.
Others in the art world to receive recognition were the artists Bob and Roberta Smith and Ryan Gander, who each received an OBE.
Painter Chris Ofili received a CBE, as did Jenny Waldman, director of 14-18 NOW, the First World War centenary art commemoration project.
Most read
Here are the most clicked-on stories for weeks December 22, 2016-January 4, 2017 on antiquestradegazette.com
1 Tributes pour in for Antiques Roadshow militaria expert Graham Lay
2 Review of the Year 2016 – 10 highest prices over estimate
3 Surrey vendor sells £2 charity shop Chinese censer for £21,000
4 Review of the Year 2016 – Picks of the Year
5 Review of the Year 2016 – Movers and Shakers
In Numbers
60
The number of major news websites posting articles on Cheffins’ sale of letters by Diana, Princess of Wales (by the time ATG went to press).
Franses challenges lease refusal
THE planning row over the redevelopment of the home of St James’s gallery S Franses will go to court in January.
The Cavendish Hotel plans to create two shops on the corner of Duke Street and Jermyn Street in central London, forcing the tapestries and textiles specialist to leave its premises of more than 25 years following the expiry of the lease.
The case, to be heard at Central London County Court on January 16, centres on whether, under the Landlord and Tenant Act, a request for a new lease can be refused.
S Franses hopes Westminster City Council’s new planning policy, called Special Policy Areas which came into effect last year, will protect it as a gallery.
S Franses director Simon Franses, grandson of founder Sidney, said: “[Owner] CapitaLand seem unaware that this is the heart of the St James’s art district, the world’s greatest concentration of art expertise. It always seemed irrational to try to replace us with fashion outlets, which are against the council’s stated policy.”
Richard Bertoia
TOY specialist Richard Bertoia died on December 19 at his home in New Jersey, aged 62.
Considered an authority on American and European toys and trains, he joined the family firm Bertoia Auctions in 1994 after a career in sales. An active member of many collecting associations, he authored several key reference books on such subjects as antique motorcycle toys and antique advertising.
The firm founded by older brother Bill Bertoia (1951- 2003) is run by his widow Jeanne Bertoia and their son Michael.
Richards theft
POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of an oil by Welsh artist Ceri Richards, shown left.
The painting was stolen in an overnight ‘smash and grab’ from a gallery in north London on December 20. Titled Arsenal in Venice c.1962, it is one of two known versions and was painted for the artist’s granddaughter.
Fine art loss adjuster Paul Britton is working on the case. Contact Holborn CID quoting crime reference 2332748/16.
