Letters to the Editor

In the debate about transparency of auctioneer fees, sparked by the Advertising Standards Authority December 2016 ruling that buyer's premium needs clearer promotion, the point of view of vendors needs to be heard too, three letter writers argue.

MADAM – I was amused to read in the Previews section of ATG No 2285 that the “star” in Locke & England’s March 30 sale would be a large organ clock, estimated at £3000-5000 (lot 100). This is certainly not the case.

MADAM – Constance King’s reminiscences of Christie’s South Ken (ATG No 2285) mention the difficulties of parking outside to load one’s purchases.

MADAM – I write for the purposes of maintaining the trade in general, and in advance of knowing the provisions in the forthcoming law regulating the UK ivory trade (which can only act to the detriment of the trade and do nothing to save the elephant). The law could consider the separation of items solely made of ivory from those that contain ivory as a constituent part.

MADAM – I’d like to add some personal memories to your recently published retrospective on Christie’s South Kensington (ATG No 2283).

MADAM – In case there is any doubt about the need for more clarity in auctioneer fees, the following figures illustrate the confusing situation faced by the seller.

MADAM – I was amused to read in ATG No 2283 that a bronze reduction of An Athlete struggling with a Python by Lord Leighton, which will be sold by Bonhams on April 5, had been bought in 1934 for 57 shillings and 17 pence.

MADAM – I write regarding your reference to two paintings of Minorca’s Port Mahon by Anton Schranz (1769-1839), sold by Thomson Roddick at £20,000 in February (Art Market, ATG No 2283).

MADAM – Tributes to Charlie Truman have been well merited and well stated (obituary in Letters, ATG No 2282).

On an unrelated but more important subject, I am delighted to see the current debate on ivory getting so much coverage in the Gazette, but concerned about the minimal discussion recently about the possible effects of Brexit on the antiques trade.