The UK ivory ban (although, I realise, just a mere bagatelle – relatively – to most) has personally been of great concern to me as a collector/dealer in Art Deco figures, which come off most severely in the proposed legislation.
The arguments for and against the ban have been presented many times in your publication. On one thing, I believe, both sides are agreed. We abhor the slaughter of living elephants for whatever reason or purpose.
I was doubly disheartened therefore to learn that Botswana is considering lifting the elephant hunting/culling ban that has been in operation there for the last four years. While this is aimed at sustainably managing the population, what message does it send to the poachers?
The elephants – and collectors of pre-1947 ivory – deserve better.
Simon Armitage
Blind rush
MADAM – I have wanted for some time now to ask a very simple question regarding the attempt to ban the trade in antique worked ivory of any value and that is: what will the proponents of this ban think when all trade in antique worked ivory has been banned, it’s all off the market, and the African elephant continues to be slaughtered?
For all the money and time and effort that was misspent on banning antiques when it should have gone to saving live elephants, how will they then justify the blind rush to this misplaced justice and the cultural vandalism that came with it?
Along with its financial cost that was so miserably used to implement a misplaced dogma. What a sad result it will be.
Anthony Werneke
Plaxtol, Kent
