LAST UPDATED | 10 September 2018 SPECIAL report Update September 2018 Ivory:the ban Dealers take ad in ATG to urge trade and collectors to sign petition

by Noelle McElhatton

15 AUGUST 2018: Dealers Alastair Gibson and Laura Bordignon have taken an advertisement in Antiques Trade Gazette calling on the trade to petition the government to widen the ‘de minimus’ exemption for antique ivory objects in a forthcoming law Contents that will restrict their trade. The letter in ATG No 2354, paid for by the British Antique Dealers’ Asso- Your questions ciation, asks readers to sign up “before it is too late” ahead of the committee stage of the House of Lords’ debate on answered the bill on September 10. The petition calls for the bill’s cur- We talk to trade bodies, practitioners rent 10% de minimus exemption to be raised to 50% for cultural objects Q and Defra to provide clarity on the made of ivory. The dealers, both members of & government’s plans - page 2-3 BADA’s council, need 10,000 signa- tures for the government to respond and more than 100,000 to be consid- A ered for debate in parliament. As this story was published, the petition had nearly 1,400 signatures. News and opinion - latest updates The bill, which allows the trade of A compilation of news stories and readers’ letters - pages 4-14 Continued on page 3 Q&A First published, 10 April 2018, ATG No 2337

The ivory ban: your questions Roland Arkell and Noelle McElhatton on what the Goodbye to all this… perhaps new ivory law could De minimis: objects that would not pass the ‘up to 10%’ rule mean for art and antiques 1. An Art Deco silver teaset with ivory handles and finials (Viners, Sheffield 1935) sold by Hansons in London for £700 in February. 2. A bronze and ivory Ferdinand Preiss figure Con Brio, sold for £11,000 at Tennants in November 2017. 3. A set of 12 silver fish knives and forks (Martin Hall, Sheffield 1928) sold for £220 at Tennants in An idea that began life with February 2018. Conservative government manifesto 4. This Victorian silver stilton scoop with spiral turned ivory handle sold for £260 at Cottees. But under pledges in 2010 and 2015 for a total the new law, would it be considered the best of its type? ban on the UK trade in ivory finally took shape last week. ‘Rarest and most important of their type’ The Department for Environment, 5 & 6. A German 19th century silver mounted Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) tankard sold for £7200 at Tennants in March announced that it intends to 2017 and a George III toothpick box sold for introduce legislation that will prohibit £420 at Woolley & Wallis in January. Would the trade in ivory of any age in the they be considered items of “outstandingly 2 UK, with narrow exemptions, after a high artistic, cultural or historical value”? public consultation in late 2017. 7. Less than 100 years old, this pair of The ban will build upon, rather Ferdinand Preiss figures (one shown) sold by than replace, current CITES rules. Matthew Barton for £2800 in 2017 would not Readers have asked ATG to explain qualify for the ‘rarest and most important items the implications of the ban at this of their type’ exemption. 1 early stage in the process, which we do here with help from Defra, antiques trade bodies and experts.

What does the ban involve from an When the law is enacted, what can of predominately ivory objects antiques point of view and is the be sold under the 10% de minimis fashioned in the 1920s and ’30s. ‘1947’ date still relevant? exemption? Until the law is Some bronze and ivory figures, icons The government intends to exempt This rule will effectively prohibit passed, it is still legal of the Art Deco movement, may only a narrow range of items the sale of many objects and is being “ qualify under the 10% de mimimis to sell ivory objects containing ivory from the sales ban. questioned by the trade (see News, rule but many won’t. The ‘antiques exemptions’ concern page 1 and Letters & Opinion, page that were worked Unlike in other countries, such pre-1947 objects that contain less than 63). It allows the sale of a Georgian before March 1947 as the US where a rolling 100 year 10% by volume of pre-1947 ivory; items mahogany chest of drawers with ivory definition of ‘antique’ is used, that are at least 100 years old and escutcheons and might permit the guidance drawing on “existing criteria this is not being proposed here. deemed the ‘rarest and most important ivory inlays on a Victorian workbox used by government to assess works The description of the ‘rarest and items of their type’ and a specific that are equivalent in volume to the of art for pre-eminence and national most important’ exemption in the exemption for portrait miniatures that veneers of the portrait miniatures that significance”. consultation policy statement ends are at least 100 years old (see box, have escaped the axe. There are countless ivory antiques with the following paragraph: “Items opposite page, below left). But what about silver and ivory that are carved and worked in exempted under this category must Also exempted are musical cutlery? The de minimis is so low that ingenious ways but only a small have been produced at least 100 instruments with an ivory content of almost every object with a solid ivory percentage would be deemed ‘rare’ years prior to this sales ban coming less than 20% which were made prior handle will surely fall foul. or ‘important’ – they are simply into force.” So if the ban came into to 1975 (when Asian elephants were Georgian and Victorian silver enormously tactile and beautifully force on, say, March 1, 2019, then listed under CITES). cutlery with ivory handles could not fashioned objects made by different the exemption would be restricted to be sold. Instead, to cash in on the cultures in a different era. items made before 1 March 1919. When will the law come into effect? value of their silver content, a seller Some Japanese okimonos and Not immediately. Defra is not would have to remove the handle and netsukes, Cantonese boxes, German What will I have to do to sell under the committing to a timescale, except sell the item as scrap. figures and tankards, Dieppe carvings exemptions? to say that it will happen “as soon as and African ethnographica would Anyone wishing to sell an item under parliamentary time allows”. What does Defra mean by ‘rarest and fall into the ‘good but not quite good the de minimis, musical instrument While conservationists may wish most important items of their type’? enough’ category. or portrait miniature exemptions will to have the law in place to time with Quite what this description means in Dealers and collectors who own be required to register their items a major event in October, the London practical terms remains to be seen. large numbers of these items – and via an online system managed by the 2018 Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference, It will doubtless be subject to much there are many – may no longer be Animal and Plant Health Agency antiques trade bodies believe interpretation. able to monetise them in the UK: as (APHA). A fee will be charged. this timing is unlikely given the The government’s response to yet there is no mention of whether it To qualify for the ‘rarest and most government’s busy legislative agenda. Defra’s consultation refers to “items will be permissible to send antique important item of its type’ exemption, made of, or containing, ivory, which ivory overseas for sale. sellers will again have to register Should I stop selling ivory now? are assessed as of outstandingly high items and pay a fee. The APHA will Until the law is passed, it is still legal artistic, cultural or historical value”. What impact will the 100-years-old seek advice from an institution in to sell ivory objects – or those that It adds that decisions will be made requirement have? the relevant field to decide whether contain ivory – that were ‘worked’ by “a limited number of institutions, This is likely to extinguish the the item meets this exemption before before March 1947. such as selected museums” using UK market for the large number issuing a permit for sale to the owner. 2 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE antiquestradegazette.com News

Editor’s and some answers comment Noelle McElhatton

5 Workable ivory ban requires one final lobbying push

15 AUGUST 2018: The general parameters of the government’s ivory ban, on the cards for years, were made clear in April. But, as always with issues of CITES, the devil will be in the detail. As we outline in this Q&A and later compilation of news and opinion on the forthcoming ban and its legal framework, there are likely to be huge numbers of antiques and works of art that won’t qualify for trade under the exceptions. Now is not the time to question who has ‘owned the debate’ on ivory in the eight-year build-up to this announcement, from when the Conservative government first mooted a ban. As ATG’s letters pages and editorials in this report attest, we are all united in wanting to preserve the elephant and drive 3 6 out any potential for modern or poached ivory to enter the system. At the same time, it is hard The voices in to ignore the potential damage “this guide this ban – as currently outlined agree that now – could inflict on large and small is not the 4 dealers and auctioneers, as well as moment to collectors of objects incorporating throw in the antique ivory. So, with weeks left before the towel 7 ban becomes law, the voices in this Sales to an accredited museum will be ivory under the Control of guide agree that now is not the moment to throw in the towel. conducted in a similar fashion. Trade in Endangered Species The trade appears united and focused on the ban’s (COTES) Regulations. Violators inconsistencies, especially regarding the de minimis rule. How will Defra police registration? will face up to five years in jail or an It is surely an anomaly to learn that – under the new rules – it Spot checks will be carried out by unlimited fine. will be fine to sell a wind instrument made in 1974 that contains enforcement and compliance officers. up to 20% ivory, while to trade an inlaid writing slope made in the If an item is being sold commercially, What chance the ban can be amended Vizagapatam region of Indian in the 1750s, it can contain only 10% regulators or the police may check to before it becomes law? of the offending material. confirm that an item is registered and Before a bill is submitted for Royal Quite what the description ‘rarest and most important items of compliant and take action if it is not. Assent, a draft must be debated in their type’ means in both legal and practical terms remains to be A regulatory body will work with the both the Commons and the Lords, seen. A narrow view is that this excludes all but a small number of antiques sector and others to ensure during which changes can occur. ‘museum quality’ items. that they are able to comply with the The government has indicated it A broader interpretation – one that seeks to prohibit the sale of new regulations. will consult the trade on how the ‘tourist trinkets’, tusk carvings and billiard balls while permitting exemptions will work in practice. the sale of antiques that have genuine artistic merit – would What will the penalty be for breaking Trade bodies, auctioneers and provide the trade with much more wriggle room. the law? dealers have told ATG they are Criminal sanctions for failing to aiming in particular to raise the adhere to the ban will be consistent 10% de minimis threshold (see Email: noellemcelhattonantiquestradegazette.com with existing offences concerning Letters & Opinion, p4-14). n

Continued from front page A recent email to LAPADA Ivory: changes at a glance Addressing MPs as well as col- members included this tip lectors and the trade, Gibson about filling in the petition: The new, as yet unnamed law will allow for by specialist institutions such as the UK’s most and Bordignon stress that “Once you have filled in the narrow exemptions to the ban. These comprise: prestigious museums before exemption permits antique ivory objects “have no form online, you will be n Items with only a small amount of ivory in are issued. link to today’s poaching crisis” informed that your ‘online de them. Such items must be comprised of less than In addition, there will be a specific exemption for and urge dealers and auction- minimus petition vote’ is not 10% ivory by volume and have been made prior to portrait miniatures painted on thin slivers of eers to encourage their collector validated until you click a link 1947. This is the de minimis exemption. ivory and which are at least 100 years old. clients to sign the petition. that is generated and sent to n Musical instruments. These must have an n Museums. Commercial activities with, and “Our last chance is that the you, via email. “Only when this ivory content of less than 20% and have been between, museums which are accredited by House of Lords will see reason link is clicked, will your vote be made prior to 1975 (when Asian elephants were Arts Council England, the Welsh Government, and grant us further exemp- counted.” added to CITES). Museums and Galleries Scotland or the Northern tions,” the letter says. See link to petition, below. n Rarest and most important items of their Ireland Museums Council in the UK, or the International Council of Museums for museums type. Such items must be at least 100 years old https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223254/ and their rarity and importance will be assessed outside the UK.

antiquestradegazette.com ATG IVORY COVERAGE | 3 Letters to the Editor First published, 10 April 2018, ATG No 2337

Why ‘de minimis’ provision is No winners from the ivory ban ‘extraordinarily impractical’ MADAM – I concur with everything that Michael Baggott wrote in ATG MADAM – Defra’s findings No 2235. outlined in the post-consultation When this ban goes ahead, every document include an extraordinarily side will lose – most importantly the impractical provision for the ‘de Speak to your elephant. minimis’ exemption – requiring MP to head off Dr Peacock, whose views were registration (with an as yet “this aspect of an aired in the same issue, will sadly unspecified fee) of all objects with ill-conceived be giving up his collection in vain an ivory content below 10% created piece of because it will not save one animal. before 1947. I have previously suggested in Consider the wide range of items legislation ATG’s Letters page that there should this involves, from EPNS teapots, Paul Roberts, be a tax on pre-1947 ivory. That bird chests of drawers, miniatures, Lyon & Turnbull has now flown. scientific instruments, Art Deco The question I now pose is what is figures... The list goes on. If the legislation goes forward intentions, they really have no idea going to happen to the old ivory that, Could I call on the ATG, which as planned, it will be totally of the implications of their actions once the law is enacted, will become has a full understanding of the unmanageable for all auctioneers, on innocent, unsuspecting citizens illegal to sell? issues involved, to mobilise dealers, particularly for smaller auction – anyone who buys, sells or owns I fear the answer is that it will be auctioneers and all other interested houses with a rapid turnaround of antiques with ivory. destroyed. This will amount to parties to speak directly to their own less valuable items. Frankly neither do those who iconoclasm. What environment MPs to try an head off this particular This will inevitably lead to a series have drafted the outline of this secretary Michael Gove is doing is aspect of an ill-conceived piece of of totally unnecessary prosecutions undeliverable ‘compromise’. winning votes – no more, no less. legislation. If we work together, that’s fuelled by the possible whistle- There is a better way. probably nearly every single one of blowing enthusiastic conservationists. Paul Roberts, deputy chairman parliament’s 650 MPs. Despite their well-meaning Lyon & Turnbull Edric van Vredenburgh

Ivory: the industry reacts

Mark Dodgson, secretary general, BADA Helen Carless, chairman of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (SOFAA) “We need to bear in mind that the starting point for the “SOFAA welcomes the fact that the proposed ban recognises the government was a manifesto pledge for an indiscriminate ban. distinction between the market for ivory as a substance, which we Following intervention from trade bodies, the government has agree needs to be eliminated, and the market for works of art whose made exemptions for cultural goods, based on their consultation significance lies in their status as works of art, not for what they are proposals, so we do welcome their acknowledgment that there made of. should be a special place for heritage items. “But we are concerned that the different level of de minimis between musical “We will draw to the government’s attention the inconsistencies within its instruments (20% by volume) and other objects (10%) appears to be illogical and will proposals, particularly concerning the low de minimis threshold, and seek to lead to confusion. We consider that they should be brought into line.” have input into creating a workable definition for the ‘rarest and most important’ items exemption.”

Max Rutherston, dealer Jonathan Pratt, managing Martin Levy, H Blairman & Sons Bill Forrest, Roseberys “The main problem for director, Bellmans “The terms of the “If anything, the now is the uncertainty. I “We all have exemption appear exemptions put have a large stock of to make a more stringent than forward will ivory, owned and sacrifice to is necessary to serve to give consigned, but I have no achieve the achieve the ivory a greater idea what may be judged acceptable for ongoing government’s welcome efforts to value in terms of a status symbol trade and what not. I shall almost certainly survival of the elephants. What stamp out poaching and illicit trade. and a commodity. The ban have to do my business abroad. Given is proposed gives us clarity. “I await details to see how the misses the whole point and Britain’s long history as a centre of dealing We will live with it and get on proposals will work in practice, and tragically, is unlikely to prevent connoisseurship, that is very sad.” with it.” the extent to which the trade in bona any elephants from being fide works of art will operate.” slaughtered for their tusks.” XX | XX Xxxxxxxxxx 2018 Michael Baggott, dealer and antiques TV presenter “If ever there was a time for this trade to begin to act and think as Anthony Browne, chairman of the British Art Market Federation one, for pride and petty organisational differences to be put aside, The antiques trade had been faced with “the very real for dealers, academics, museums and auctioneers to speak with a prospect of an unqualified ban. It should be recognised single, clear unequivocal voice, then that time is now. that the NGOs were pressing for this and government “A terrible mistake has been made – born out of a sincere was under pressure”. passion to do good, but a mistake nonetheless. If we only ever achieve one thing as a unified trade, it must be to correct this.”

4 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE antiquestradegazette.com First published, 17 April 2018, ATG No 2338 Letters to the Editor

‘Heading towards Seven reasons the ivory ban unworkable fudge’

is ‘flawed and ill-conceived’ MADAM – I am alarmed at the government’s apparently poor MADAM – Having read the Parliament: will enact understanding of how the trade works government (Defra) statement on the law banning ivory with and its relationship with collectors and UK ivory ban (ATG No 2337), it is few exemptions venerable institutions. obvious that far from offering clarity, Despite the considerable input from it is flawed on the following points: dealers, auctioneers, trade bodies and 1. The decision to enforce a ban has museums into the ivory consultation, been decided on 80,000 responses we still seem to be heading towards an from the public. This represents less unworkable fudge on ivory, not least than 0.1% of the population. regarding the ‘de minimis’ clauses. 2. There is no mention of Unless this is seriously addressed, compensation for those who have literally millions of antique items will legally collected antique works of art be little more than scrap, sacrificed on made from or containing ivory such as a well-meaning but ill-informed Japanese netsuke and medieval ivories. iconoclastic bonfire. More likely, 3. The government has essentially those objects will become bogged criminalised collectors, legitimate down in an irreconcilable mire of ‘is it art dealers and any member of the It is a mystery why the same most important’ exemptions may be or isn’t it’, as a bouchon of gargantuan public who dares to sell their property thinking does not apply to any other assessed as being of ‘outstandingly proportions drowns the ‘experts’ in an despite legally owning those items for antique works of art. high artistic, historic and cultural unworkable licensing system. years or generations. 5. “Ivory items currently require a significance”. It is also interesting that the 4. The policy states that portrait CITES certificate in order to be What museum will take impartial government thinks that, for some miniatures will be exempted “for sold”, the policy goes on to say. This is and legal responsibility for making reason, it has the right to effectively commercial activities” because “some not the case for antique ivory. CITES such decisions and how will they cope annul or diminish the legally acquired conservation NGOs indicated that permits are only required for the legal with the number of submissions they assets of its law-abiding citizens by they believe this exemption would be importation and exportation of will inevitably receive? There is a passing such legalisation with no form proportional and justified. We agree endangered species. financial cost to be levied which will, of compensation. with this assessment as we do not 6. The government “will empower no doubt, increase over the years. believe the sales of portrait miniatures institutions such as museums, to Defra’s document refers to “critical Marc Allum fuel, directly or indirectly, the provide advice on whether an item assessments … made by specialists in Consultant, writer and broadcaster continued poaching of elephants”. under the ‘de minimis’ or ‘rarest and their field”. Aside from experienced auction house specialists and dealers, who exactly are these specialists? 7. UK museums will be allowed to Send ATG to Collections ‘are now worthless’ sell/buy and loan items between each other and to non-UK museums. your local MP MADAM – As a dealer (and collector) in antique needlework tools and other small It should be kept in mind that collectables, I am dismayed and angered by the proposals for the ivory ban as outlined museums would not exist at all MADAM – I would suggest sending in detail in last week’s ATG. without the gifts and endowments of a copy of last week’s ATG guide to the Many of my customers have built up quite substantial collections and ivory, private collectors (eg the Wallace ivory ban to every MP with an particularly that carved in Dieppe in the early 19th century, forms a significant part. Collection). Museums are not alone in appropriate covering letter. Are they to suddenly find their collections, in which they have invested playing “a vital role in protecting the The absurdities of the considerable amounts of money, are now worthless? What compensation has the nation’s cultural heritage”. Private government’s proposals are evident government earmarked for them, and dealers like myself, who sell currently legal (pre- collectors, art dealers and auctioneers and unworkable, and leave millions 1947 and mostly pre-1847!) ivory? have all played a vital role as well and of attractive but not outstanding How can it be legal under these proposals to be able to sell, for example, a 1920s over many centuries. ivories, and items containing ivory, silver teapot with an ivory finial, yet a tiny Dieppe carved pincushion of similar size The proposed ban will result in in limbo. from 1800 would be illegal? cultural vandalism, is ill-conceived, I quite understand why the Thanks to ATG for its useful Q&A but at this juncture there are still too many politically motivated and will not save government has given in to unanswered questions. one elephant from the true criminal in overwhelming public demand for this this sorry tale: the poacher. ban from well-meaning animal Sylvie Collett lovers, who simply don’t understand David Williams, London the implications for dealers, collectors and auctioneers. Instead of just giving in, let’s have Guide to a coherent explanation from pressure groups as to how banning the sale of GDPR 2018 GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION pre-1947 ivory is going to save the life of a single elephant – because it won’t – and how such a ban is relevant, because it’s not. Are you compliant? Legislation based on sentiment is bad legislation.

Download your FREE guide: antiquestradegazette.com/gdpr Ian Harris N Bloom & Son antiquestradegazette.com ATG IVORY COVERAGE | 5 Letters to the Editor First published, 24 April - 1 May 2018, ATG No 2339 - 2340

Potential consequences of We need class action Madam – Thank you for printing my previous the ivory ban – for museums correspondence (ATG No 2337). If I thought that a ban on pre-1947 ivory would stop the death MADAM – Last year readers miniature exemptions, or were equivalent ones in private hands. of 50 elephants I would stop writing. may recall a Victorian over 100 years old and deemed I am not even going to touch on Here I throw down a gauntlet to antique ivory presentation ‘ivory tusk’ dinner among ‘the best and most the burdensome logistics that this dealers and collectors. gong was removed from display in important’ of their type. may entail or the costs to the I fear the people representing the antiques one of the Royal Collection One assumes that they would country’s museums, which may world have been inept, to say the least, on the exhibitions. all need to be individually run into many (wasted) millions. ivory issue. The argument for its removal registered and assessed – possibly However, I am deeply worried How anyone thinks small percentages of was that as the exhibition charged by the members of the very that the next step in this frenzied furniture or musical instruments are going to a fee, a financial benefit was being museums that own them – and the cultural war against any historic make a difference is beyond belief. realised by this piece of unworked correct fees paid. object fashioned from ivory will My previous arguments on this issue have ivory. The argument might be be the removal of works of art focussed on fears of iconoclasm and destruction I think this raises an interesting proposed that every object within from public display, either of past culture. Maybe it is time to put this fight and potentially devastating point a museum collection was of voluntarily or – as in this case – on an economic level. which the government – in its cultural importance and they through the unwitting It seems to me that there are many collectors and haste to introduce a near total would automatically be deemed consequences of an ill-conceived dealers out there who are going to lose a great deal ivory ban – is overlooking. exempt. But there are many and executed piece of legislation. of money and in some cases their livelihood. So I If you take that precedent and domestic objects within our It may seem ridiculous to some propose that a class action is taken against then apply it under the new museums (rightly, so I might add) to suggest this. But is it any more government before it enacts any law. proposed ban, then every museum and surely exempting them might ridiculous than those who I feel strongly enough that I will be the first and public display in the country stand as a precedent for every proposed a ban on gothic person to donate £10,000 to this. Are enough of that makes a charge or receives ‘a similar object to come onto the reliquaries to save elephants in the you prepared to follow and find an excellent financial benefit’ from its market? wild sounded just four short years lawyer to fight this case or do you wish to go on collections could, legally, display It would seem perverse for a ago? moaning and lose the argument? only antique objects containing board of museum curators to ivory which met the stringent de grant exemptions for their own Michael Baggott Edric van Vredenburgh minimis or 100-year-old portrait domestic objects but not Dealer London

UK ivory trade ban will harm Ivory: sewing plea MADAM – I am sending you a market world leader status photo of some small sewing tools in carved ivory, made c.1840 MADAM – We are all devastated beautiful pieces entirely or partially (right). at what is being proposed by the made in ivory help the poaching crisis Most ivory sewing tools, such government in relation to ivory. in Africa? The proposed legalisation is as thimbles, tape measures, We antique dealers buy and sell going to have a major negative impact needle cases, shuttles and pin articles which were mainly made over on most of the UK antiques trade. wheels are all about the size of the last 200 years. As I walk around The creators of this proposal need an average thimble (approximately 1/2in or 5cm long). my warehouse, I see George III ivory to go back to the drawing board. Some of these tools are still being used today as well as collected. These items and silver tea caddies from the 1780s, Otherwise the UK, an art market should be seriously considered for exemption from the ivory ban as it is impossible to ivory billiard and bagatelle balls world leader, will be pushed further do certain types of needlework without them. Sewing Bees are increasing in popularity from 1800-80, toilet sets with ivory down the ladder in its position as globally where these tools are demonstrated and enjoyed as they are all unique and not handles from 1900, a few boxed sets the place to buy and sell in a well- machine-made. of cutlery with ivory handles from the regulated market. 1870s and finally, beautiful silver tea Bridget McConnel, author of online newsletter The Thimble Society, specialist dealer in sets with ivory handles on the kettles John Dixon antique sewing tools and author of The Story of Antique Needlework Tools and tea pots, from 1800-1900. Georgian Antiques, Edinburgh If what environment minister Michael Gove is proposing becomes elephant alive today will be saved force, any objects with ivory in my law, none of the above could be sold MADAM – I am an antiques by me not being able to sell this collection will have no commercial in the trade and they will become collector, as my father was before me. chess set. value for my children. valueless, useless and probably end Among many treasured And secondly, I bought the chess For these reasons I will not vote for up on the black market. possessions is a hand-carved Chinese set at auction in the 1980s, paying the any political party that bans the sale The horrible trade in modern ivory ivory chess set made in 1860. No one buyer’s premium and the appropriate of antique works of art that are made is being driven by the Chinese market can say whether this chess set uses VAT. As the government collected of or contain ivory. and not by the UK antiques trade. ivory taken from an elephant that was tax from me for something they now The killing of elephants is a terrible already dead from disease, predation deem illegal, should I expect this to An antiques enthusiast with a thing and we do not condone it all. or old age. be repaid to me? I don’t think so. conscience However, how does destroying First, I cannot see how one When the ban comes into (Name supplied)

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6 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE antiquestradegazette.com First published, 8 May 2018, ATG No 2341 News & Letters

Stakeholders consider legal action on ivory Trade bodies and sculpture association seek counsel and appeal to industry for financial help by Noelle McElhatton and Roland Arkell intended legislation “contra- secretary general at mark@ venes human rights legislation bada.org or call 020 7589 4128. 8 MAY 2018: Trade bodies potential to legally challenge The questions and the protection of personal whose members will be affected the ban, the government’s lia- property as it confiscates, with- ‘Self-interest’ by the government’s plan for a bility for compensation gave the out compensation, the value of The PMSA believes the “impression of near-total UK ban on the sale of payments and the consultation sculpted ivory less than 100 antiques trade’s arguments in ivory are seeking legal advice process itself. seeking years old”. The PMSA also sug- favour of carefully managed on challenging the proposals BADA, in partnership with justification for gests the consultation was not commerce were interpreted as before they become law. LAPADA and auctioneer body a decision conducted and concluded in an self-interest. The outline of the ban, pub- SOFAA, is being less specific impartial and proper way. Lewis told ATG: “We have lished by Defra on April 3 after on the details of its legal probe, already taken In a letter to ATG (page 58), been too weak in listening to a public consultation in late except to say it focuses on “a Lewis writes: “The questions and accommodating the views 2017, allows only a small possible range of issues relating [the consultation] asked gave of [the animal conservation amount of antique exemptions to the proposals”. the impression of seeking justi- lobby] which has resulted in a that require certification. The advice the group receives Destruction concerns fication for a decision already situation which contravenes all No date has been set for “will be considered, with the The PMSA, a charity that taken. It was no consultation at canons of natural justice. bringing the legislation before aim of forming an agreed plan seeks to preserve, protect and all and savoured more of a Hopefully Defra will listen.” parliament. In the interim, a of action”, BADA said. promote Britain’s sculptures, is ‘show trial’ than a genuine wish In announcing their coalition of antiques trade Responding to the moves, a concerned a near-total ban will to hear from those affected.” responses, the trade bodies bodies and collectors led by Defra spokesman told ATG: result in “the destruction or If the PMSA receives favour- restated their abhorrence of BADA and, in a separate “The consultation ran for 12 loss of thousands of fine able legal opinion, it would modern poached ivory. initiative, the Public Monu- weeks and we engaged with sculpted works in ivory which then raise funds for legal “BADA, its members and the ments and Sculpture stakeholders and gathered will be rendered valueless”. action. BADA is also asking trade more widely are united Association (PMSA), are con- information. The ivory sales ban The charity’s chairman, that people wishing to donate in their opposition to illegal sulting lawyers about the ban. takes account of the views and John Lewis, is asking for coun- to support its initiative should trade in poached ivory,” The PMSA is examining the evidence received.” sel’s opinion on whether the contact Mark Dodgson, BADA BADA said.

Join us in ivory trade ban legal challenge

MADAM – The Public Monuments & Sculpture Association shares All this said, we would entirely l The destruction or loss of many of the concerns which have support a stand taken by the thousands of fine sculpted works been expressed in your letters pages There is no government on this matter which in ivory which will be rendered since the last statements from Defra persuasive evidence would involve heavy penalties for valueless as they will not meet on the ivory issue. “that criminalising those dealing with ivory taken from the exceptionally high criteria Accordingly, we are seeking elephants who lived during a given demanded of the limited exceptions counsel’s opinion not only as to the the sale or purchase period of years up to the present. to the proposed ban. way the ‘consultation’ was phrased, of old sculpted It is unfortunate that the l A substantial disadvantage to the conducted and concluded but also as ivory would deter present proposals, on the back of British art market against the growing to whether the intended legislation poachers a consultation where the questions competition from Paris where there in fact contravenes human rights gave the impression of seeking are not the problems proposed for the legislation. justification for a decision already UK fairs and auctions. By this we mean the government taken, was no consultation at all and l The confiscation of value, with is effectively confiscating, without We are currently recording and had the flavour more of a ‘show trial’ no compensation, from many compensation, all value from owners publishing the public sculpture of than a genuine wish to hear from possessors of ivory sculpture, of sculpted ivory that is less than 100 the UK, a project now over 70% those affected. whether brought back by those who years old. completed. fought for us abroad, inherited or If any of your readers would be This is why we feel it is our duty Celebrity campaign purchased when works in ivory were prepared to assist us financially, to oppose the extent of the proposed And, at the end, Defra could highly regarded. to pursue this matter, we would be legislation by Defra banning the sale only point to some 0.01% of the l A considerable increase in extremely grateful. or purchase of historic elephant ivory. population which they claimed as bureaucracy involved in certifying No persuasive evidence justifying their current extreme the limited exceptions to the Protecting sculpture whatsoever has been produced that proposals, resulting presumably proposed ban. By way of explanation, we are a criminalising the sale or purchase from a highly organised and small charity, one of whose missions of old sculpted ivory would deter well-funded public campaign by John Lewis OBE is to encourage excellence in and the poachers in Africa or reduce demand celebrities to promote a total ban Chairman, The Public Monuments study and protection of sculpture. from India, the Far or Middle East. The consequences will also include: & Sculpture Association

PRINT ONLINE APP For further coverage and breaking news every day visit: antiquestradegazette.com antiquestradegazette.com ATG IVORY COVERAGE | 7 Letters to the Editor First published, 8 - 29 May 2018, ATG Nos 2341, 2343, 2344

Why museum ivory fears are misguided Target the

MADAM – Michael Baggott’s recent poachers letter about the potential adverse impact of the ivory sales ban on the instead display of ivory pieces by museums (ATG No 2339) is, with respect, misguided. MADAM – I have been dealing in He is right that the ‘Sandringham Oriental antiques for almost 50 years case’ based on the current rules and have been a supporter of the meant that an ivory piece was Environmental Investigation Agency removed from display in 2017 because (EIA) for most of this time. Sandringham House charged an A few weeks ago, I received the entrance fee. That was a perverse results of an investigation which proves consequence of the current law and it where 80% of all the poached ivory should be changed. Left: the front page of ATG No 2312 from Africa goes. However, he is wrong about the and, above, Michael Baggott’s letter It takes an undercover journey, impact of the proposed sales ban. in ATG No 2339. with the help of crime syndicates and There will be a specific exemption for corruption, to Shui Dong, a coastal city accredited museums. that is a gateway to China and the rest The government’s policy statement But we do not even have to rely of the world for poached ivory. says that “accredited museums play on that assumption, as the policy The EIA has the evidence and a vital role in protecting the nation’s statement also says: “We do not images of the culprits and the cultural heritage, and in making our intend, through our ban on ivory raw tusks. heritage accessible to the public, and sales, to affect the display of historic, With this in mind, surely it is time to as such will be permitted to purchase It is hard to see how a artistic and cultural items to ease the proposed almost total ban on items that do not meet any of the listed sales ban on that basis members of the public by accredited good antique items. exemptions, but are in line with their “would have a ‘potentially museums.” These routes should be closed as a acquisitions and ethical policies”. It is hard to see how a sales ban on priority and then the ban reassessed, as It stands to reason that if museums devastating’ impact on that basis would have what Michael it distances the link between genuine will be permitted to buy items that do museums – or indeed any terms a “potentially devastating” antiques and the blame attached to not fall within the exemptions (as well impact at all impact on museums – or indeed any collectors and dealers. as those that do), they will also be impact at all. able to display them – and not have to Kevin Page hide them in the basement. Andrew Brown Mixed messages on the ivory ban Ban is all NewsNews for show, TheThe ivoryivory ban:ban: youryour questions questions andand some some answers answersEditor’s MADAM – I have a deep concern Roland Arkell and Noelle says that “accredited museums... McElhatton on what the Goodbye to all this… perhaps comment

new ivory law could De minimis: objects that would not pass the ‘up to 10%’ ru Noelle McElhatton le mean for art and antiques 1. An Art Deco silver teaset with ivory handles and finials (Viners, Sheffield 1935) sold by 5 Hansons in London for £700 in February. Workable ivory ban requires one final lobbying push 2. A bronze and ivory Ferdinand Preiss figu re Con Brio, sold for £11,000 at Tennants in November 2017. An idea that bega 3. A set of 12 silver fish knives and forks (Ma The general parame ters of the governme n life with rtin Hall, Sheffield 1928) sold for £220 at Tennants in nt’s ivory ban, on the Conservative g cards for years, are finally clear. overnment manifest o February 2018. But, as always with issues of that our political masters do not pledges in 2010 and 2015 for a total 4. This Victorian silver stilton scoop with spiral turned ivory CITES, the devil will be in the detail . will be permitted to purchase items ban on the UK the new law, would it be considered the best handle sold for £260 at Cottees. But under As we outline on these pages, under trade in ivory finally of its type? the new legal framew ork, took shape last week. there are likely to be huge numbers of antiq ‘Rarest and most important of ues and works of art The Department for Envi their type’ that won’t qualify for trade under the exceptions ronment, 5 & 6. A German 19th century silver mounted . Now is not the time to question Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) who has ‘owned the deba te’ on tankard sold for £7200 at Tenn ants in March ivory in the eight-year build-up to thi announced that it intends to s announcement, from when 2017 and a George III toothpick box sold for the Conservative government first moote introduce legislation that will prohibi d a ban. As ATG ’s letters t £420 at Woolley & Wallis in January. Would pages and editorial no action the trade in ivo s these past years at ry of any age in the they be considered items of “ test, we are all united in UK, with narrow outstandingly wanting to preserve the elephant exemptions, after a high artistic, cultural or historical value”? properly understand what they are public consult 2 2 and drive out any potential for that do not meet any of the listed ation in late 2017. 3 3 7. Less than 100 years old, this pair of modern or poached ivory to enter The ban will build upon, rathe r Ferdinand Preiss figures (on 6 the system. than replace, current CITES rules. e shown) sold by Matthew Barton for £2800 in 2017 would not At the same time, it is hard Readers have asked ATG to explain qualify for the ‘rarest and most i to ignore the p The voices in the implications of the ban at this mportant items otential damage of their type’ exemption. this ban – as c early stage in the process, which 1 urrently outlined this week’s – could inflict on large “ we do here with help from Defra, and small issue agree that dealers and antiques trade bodies and experts. 4 auctioneers, as we ll as now is not the collectors of objects incorporating proposing to unleash with their What does the ban involve from an antique ivory. moment to exemptions but are in line with their antiques point of view and is the parliamentary time allows”. What does Defra mean by ‘rarest and So, with months left throw in the WhatWhat impact impact will will the the 100-years-old 100-years-old before the ‘1947’ date still relevant? While con servationists may wis most important items of their type’? ban become h requirementrequirement have? have? SalesSales to anto anaccredited accredi museum will be s law, the voices in this towel to have the law in pl ted museum will be ivory under the Control of 7 week’s issue a The government in ace to time with Quite what this description means in conducted in a similar fashion. gree that now is not tends to exempt a major event in Oc ThisThis is likelyis likely to extinguishto ex the UK conducted in a similar fashion . Trade in Endangered Species only a narrow range tober, the London practical terms r tinguish the UK the moment to throw in the towel. of items 2018 Illegal Wildlif emains to be seen. marketmarket for for the the large number of e Trade Conference, large number of How will Defra police registration? (COTES) Regulations. Violators The trade appears united and focus containing ivory from the sales ban. It will doubtless be subject to much predominately ivory objects fashioned How will Defra police registration? ed on the ban’s antiques trade bodies believe predominately ivory objects fashioned will face up to five years in jail or an inconsistencies, esp The ‘antiques exemptions’ concern interpretation. in the 1920s and ’30s. Some bronze SpotSpot checks checks will will be becarried carried out out by ecially regarding the de minimis rule. this timing is unl ikely given the in the 1920s and ’30s. Some bronze by unlimited fine. It is surely an anomaly pre-1947 objects that contain less than The government’s response to and ivory figures, icons of the Art enforcementenforcement and and compliance complia officers. to learn that – under the new rules – it government’s busy legislative agenda. and ivory figures, icon s of the Art nce officers. will be fine to sell a wind instrument ma 10% by volume of pre-1947 ivory; items Defra’s consultation refers to “items Deco movement, may qualify under If anIf anitem item is being is being sold commercially, What chance the ban can be amended de in 1974 that contains submission to well-meaning but Deco movement, may qualify under sold commercially, up to 20% ivory, while to tra (the museum’s) acquisitions and MADAM – The government’s desire that are at lea made of, or containi regulators or the police may check to de an inlaid writing slo st 100 years old and Should I stop selling ivory now? ng, ivory, which thethe 10% 10% de demimimis mimimi rule but many regulators or the police may check to before it becomes law? pe made in the are assessed as o s rule but many Vizagapatam region of Indian in the 1750s, it can cont deemed the ‘rarest and most important f outstandingly high won’t – at least not for the next confirmconfirm that that an iteman item is registeredis registered and and ain only 10% Until the law is passed, it is still legal won’t – at least not for the next Before a bill is submitted for Royal of the offending material. items of their type’ and a specific artistic, cultural or h istorical value”. decade. compliantcompliant and and take t action if it is not. to sell ivory objects – or those that decade. ake action if it is not. Assent, a draft must be debated in Quite what the descri exemption for portrait miniatures that It adds that decisions will be made A regulatoryA regulatory body b will work with the ption ‘rarest and mo st important it ems of contain ivory – that were ‘worked’ TheThe dropping dropping of ao ffixed a fixed date date for for ody will work with the both the Commons and the Lords, their type’ means are at least 100 years old (see box, by “a limited number of institution antiquesantiques sector sector and others to ensure in both legal and pract ical terms remains before March 1947. s, exceptionsexceptions (currently (currently pre-1947) pre-1947) has has its and others to ensure during which changes can occur. seen. A narrow vie to be opposite page, bel such as selected museums” using its that they are able to comply with the w is that this exclude s all but a small nu ow left). complications.complication A rolling ‘100-year- that they are able to comply with the The government has indicated it mber of guidance draw s. A rolling ‘100-y ear- ‘museum quality’ item s. Also exempted are musical When the law is enacted, what can ing on “existing crit eria old’ date means that in 10 years’ time newnew regulations. regulations. old’ date means that in 10 years’ time will consult the trade on how the A broader interpretation – one t instruments with a n ivory content of be sold under the 10% de minimis used by government to assess works many Art Deco ivory objects will hat seeks to prohibit the sale of many Art Deco ivory objects will What will the penalty be for breaking exemptions will work in practice. ‘tourist trin kets’, tusk carvings less than 20% which were made pri exemption? of art for pre-eminence and nat become eligible for trade should they What will the penalty be for breaking and billiard balls whi le permitting or ional become eligible for trade should they Trade bodies, auctioneers and the sale of antiq ethical policies”. ill-informed pressure groups over the law? to enact a ban on the UK trade in to 1975 (whe significance”. the law? ues that have genuine artistic merit – wou n Asian elephants were This rule will effect be bedeemed deemed among among ‘the ‘the rarest and dealers have told ATG ld listed under CITES ively prohibit There are countless iv rarest and Criminal sanctions for failing to they are provide the trade with much more wriggle room. ). the sale of many ob ory antiques mostmost important’ important’ of theirof type. In just Criminal sancti ons for failing to aiming in particular to raise the jects and is being that are carved an their type. In just adhere to the ban will be consistent d worked in threethree decades, decades, so sowill will objects o made in adhere to the ban will be consistent When will the law come into effect? questioned by the trade (see News, bjects made in 10% de minimis threshold (see ingenious ways but only a small the 1950s. withwith existing exist ingoffences offences concerning concerni page 1 and Letters & Opinion, page the 1950s. ng Letters & Opinion, page 63). n Email: Not immediately. Defra is not percentage would be deemed ‘rare’ noellemcelhattonantiquestradegazette.com 63). It allows the sale of a Georgian committing to a timescal or ‘important’ – they are simply WhatWhat will will I have I have to doto doto sellto sell under under the the e, except mahogany chest of drawers with to say that it will happen “as soon as ivory enormously tactile and beautifully exemptions?exemptions? escutcheons and might permit the fashioned objects made by differen Continued from front page ivory inlays on a Victorian workb t AnyoneAnyone wishing wishing to sellto sell an anitem item under under Ivory:Ivory: changes changes at at a aglance glance question the ruling that musical ox cultures in a different era. that are eq thethe de deminimis, minimis, musical musi instrument In a letter to ATG, Paul Rob - instruments should be treated So how is this going to work, then? the ‘total’ ban on the sale of ivory in uivalent in volume to the ivory, including antique ivory, means cal instrument The new, as yet unnamed law will allow for Some Japanese okimonos and or portrait miniature exemptions will The new, as yet unnamed law will allow f by specialist institutions such as the UK’s most erts, deputy chairman at Lyon veneers of the portrait miniatures or portrait miniatu re exemptions wil narrow exemptions to the ban. These comprise:or differently to works of art. that netsukes, Cantonese boxes, Germ be required to register their items l narrow exemptions to the ban. These compr and Turnbull, describes the de have escaped the axe. an be required to regi ster their items ise: prestigious museums before exemption permits Taken as a whole, the new figures and tankards, Dieppe carvi via an online system managed by the n Itemsn Items with with only only a small amount of ivory in minimis exemption as an But what about silver and ivor ngs via an online system managed by the a small amount of ivory in are issued. law will allow for onl y and African ethnographica would them. Such items must be comprised of less than “extraordinarily impractical y narrow cutlery? The de minimis is so low AnimalAnimal and and Plant Pla Healthnt Health Agency Agency them. Such items must be comprised of less than In addition, there will be a specific exemption for exemptions (see box, that fall into the ‘good but not quite goo 10% ivory by volume and have been made prior to provision” and called for the left). almost every object with a solid i d (APHA).(APHA). A feeA f willee will be becharged. charged. 10% ivory by volume and have been made prior t portrait miniatures In addition to items contain vory enough’ category. 1947. This is the de minimis exemption. o painted on thin slivers of - handle wi ToTo qualify qualify for for the the ‘rarest and most 1947. This is the de minimis exemption. “mobilisation of dealers, auc - ing a small amount of ivory as ll surely fall foul. Dealers and collectors w ‘rarest and most ivory and which are at least 100 years old. Until the law is ho own importantimportant item item of itsof type’ exemption, n Musicaln instruments tioneers and all other interested Georgian and Victori an silver its type’ exemption, Musical instruments. These. These must must have h an n Museums part of a larger whole, the gov - passed, it is still legal large numbers of these items – and sellers will again have to register ivory content of less than 20% and have beenave an . Commercial activities with, and parties to speak directly to their “ cutlery with ivory hand les could not sellers will a gain have to register ivory content of less than 20% and have been ernment will permit the sale of there are many – m between, museums which are accredited by to sell ivory objects be sold. Instead, to cas ay no longer be itemsitems and and pay p a fee. The APHA will made prior to 1975 (when Asian elephants were own MPs across the country to You have a museum that wishes to this country. made prior to 1975 portrait miniatures painted on that they can publicly demonstrate h in on the ay a fee. The APHA wi ll (when Asian elephants we Arts Council England, the Welsh Government, able to monetise them in the UK: as seek advice from an institution in added to CITES). re try and head off this particular that were worked value of their silver content, a seller seek advice from an institution in added to CITES). ivory and othe r ivory works of yet there is no mention of whether it the relevant field to decide whether Museums and Galleries Scotland or the Northern aspect of this ill-con before March 1947 would have to remove the handle and the relevant field to decide whether n Rarestn and most important items ceived art that are at least 100 years old will be permissible to send antique the item meets this exemption before Rarest and most important items of their of their Ireland Museums Council in the UK, or the piece of legislation”. sell the item as scrap. the item meets this exemption bef type. Such items must be at least 100 years old and deemed the “rarest and ivory overseas for sale. ore type. Such items must be at least 100 years old International Council of Museums for museums 8 | 14 April 2018 issuingissuing a permit a perm for sale to the owner. and their rarity and importance will be assessed Anthony Browne, chairman most important items of their it for sale to the owner. and their rarity and importance will be asses outside the UK. sed of the British Art Market Fed- type”. antiquestradegazette.comantiquestradegazette.com eration, says BAMF plans to antiquestradegazette.comantiquestradegazette.com n See Letters & Opinion, page 63. PAGE 008-09 2337.indd 2 They also appear to not really 14 April 2018 | 9 make a purchase of something from they have stood up to the ivory lobby 06/04/2018 15:42:46 PAGE 008-09 2337.indd 3 understand their own statements 06/04/2018 15:42:52 outside the exemptions groups. and ‘bravely’ taken action in the as to how their suggestions might be Above: our Q&A on the ivory trade But you have legislation that makes cause of saving the elephant while, implemented. ban proposals (ATG No 2341). the seller of that item, at the same time, avoiding the action At this juncture I need to declare un-exempted and without its APHA that they should have taken. that I have not read the proposed “rarest and most important” authorisation, in breach of the law! What the government won’t do is legislation myself but am reliant on exemptions. In summary, unless an It is ill-conceived and poorly stand up to and confront China and both your Guide to the UK Ivory Ban item falls within a specified category thought through. There is a circle the other Asian countries that are (ATG No 2337) and your letter writer and has been granted its certificate, it there that badly needs squaring responsible for the demand for ivory Andrew Brown in ATG No 2341. would be illegal to sell it. before any more harm is done. and the ivory trade. The guide clearly states that Andrew Brown’s letter quotes the Nor will they make the financial antique ivory items (and those government’s policy statement and Graham Gemmell resources available to help the most containing a certain percentage impoverished nations of Africa fight of ivory) cannot be sold unless the Editor writes: The bill, as currently the highly organised and heavily vendor is in possession of the relevant drafted, sets out the circumstances whereby armed gangs of poachers who will, permission from the Animal and a museum can legitimately acquire an no doubt, slaughter elephants to Plant Health Agency. There is a circle there object that falls outside the ‘de minimis’ extinction. Such permissions will only be and ‘rarest and most important items of granted to items that fall within that badly needs their type’ exemptions, from members of Alistir Wood Tait “squaring before any the loosely defined areas of portrait the public and dealers. See page 4 for Antique & Fine Jewellery miniatures, 10% de minimis and more harm is done more details. Edinburgh 8 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE antiquestradegazette.com First published, 29 May 2018, ATG No 2344 News

Ivory ban: What we now know Items of outstandingly high artistic, cultural or Countdown historical value The 57-page bill deviates little from the proposals l Precisely what is meant by a pre-1918 item ‘of announced in April, writes Roland Arkell. Points to outstandingly high artistic, cultural or historical begins as ivory note are: value’ is yet to be seen. However, the object chosen to illustrate this point was a 13th century Gothic bill published Certification era carving of the crucified Christ from the Victoria l All ivory objects that qualify for one of the and Albert Museum. The guidance says both (a) exemptions will need a certificate before sale. the rarity of the item and (b) the extent to which Trade associations press ahead with legal l Exemption certificates for items deemed to be the item is an important example of its type, will be challenge as Gove targets October date ‘of outstandingly high artistic, cultural or historical taken into account with ‘assessments subject to value’ will in effect become passports valid each detailed criteria ... to be issued in due course’. time the item is sold. This is different to the Acquisitions by qualifying museums outlined by Defra in April. proposals for those objects qualifying under the ‘de by Laura Chesters and l A clause in the law allows for the sale of Industry leaders declared sur- minimis’ rule (pre-1947 items with ivory content less Noelle McElhatton otherwise prohibited items to accredited museums. prise at the speed with which it than 10%). In these cases a registration certificate is It says these sales (subject to more general CITES has been published. valid only for a single change of ownership. 29 MAY 2018: The art and However, environment sec- rules on ivory) may be carried out by ‘a private antiques trade associations are retary Michael Gove defended Import/export individual, group of individuals or an organisation’. in a race against time in their the timing, saying: “We have l The term ’dealing in ivory’ includes importing or It allows for the possibility that, for example, an Art bid to challenge aspects of the acted quickly in introducing exporting it from the UK for sale. It will thus not be Deco bronze and ivory figure c.1925 with an ivory government’s planned ivory this bill, less than six weeks possible to move prohibited items across borders. content of over 10% could be sold to a museum. ban. The bill was published last after publishing our consulta- week, earlier than expected. tion responses. I hope this Representatives from dealer serves as a clear sign of our bodies BADA and LAPADA, global leadership on this vital June 4, and then at a later date academics, who at the same trade coalition in its fundrais- auctioneer association SOFAA issue.” in the House of Lords. time condemn the interna- ing efforts (see Letters, 59). and the ADA (Antiquities The government will host an ATG understands that the tional trade in illegal poached Defra said: “The consulta- Dealers’ Association) met last international conference about associations had a first consul- ivory”. tion ran for 12 weeks and we week to agree topics for legal the illegal wildlife trade on tation with solicitors last week. It added that “fundraising is engaged with stakeholders and consideration. October 10-11, at which Defra In a statement, BADA well under way to ensure that gathered information. The ban These include the potential is expected to highlight pro- emphasised the government’s the coalition is able to present takes account of the views and for a judicial review into how gress with the ban. “eagerness to press ahead” and its case effectively”. evidence received.” Defra conducted its public said the coalition of trade The Public Monuments & consultation as well as ele- Parliamentary debate bodies would “represent the Sculpture Association has n Anyone wishing to support ments of the proposed The bill’s publication is the first concerns of a wide community agreed not to seek separate the action should contact Mark legislation. stage in the process for it to of those affected by this pro- legal advice on a challenge to Dodgson, BADA secretary The bill contains details of become law. Debate starts in posed legislation including the ban (ATG No 2341) and to general on 020 7589 4128 or the ban (see box, page 4), as the House of Commons on collectors, curators and support the art and antiques email [email protected]. 2018 atg asian art supplement ASIAN ART 2017 Celebrating the talent and

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Save 75% on the ISSUE 2356 | antiquestradegazette.com | 1 September 2018 | UK £3.95 | USA $7.95 | Europe €5.50 JewelleryJewellery PreviewsPreviews cover price COMMODE COMMOTION Ivory removed from Chippendale masterpiece in advance of sale, pages 4 & 71 DRESS TO Right: Timeless pendant 3 earrings by Wendy Ramshaw, IMPRESS silver, gilt enamel with lapis Early British army 1 lazuli on brass stand inlaid uniforms in family with bands of colour, 2008. militaria collection Open Image © The Scottish Gallery Page 10-11 2 Ramshaw at Goldsmiths’ Fair An exhibition dedicated to the colourful creations of modern jewellery designer Wendy Ramshaw ISSUE 2302 | antiquestradegazette.com | 29 July & 5 August 2017 | UK £3.95 | USA $7.95 | Europe €5.50 season (b.1939) runs at the Goldsmiths’ Fair in London Autumn jewellery highlights – and the joy of buying from September 25-October 7. DEALERS’ DIARY How Masterpiece is rising above the challenges to reinforce its position as a topBook fair – page 36-37 and on the secondary market. Roland Arkell reports The Sunderland-born designer is renowned for 5 her signature geometry, especially her pioneering gold ‘stacking rings’ made from semi-precious Ahead of its season-opening September 18 jewellery 4 stones and displayed on upright posts. map fairs sale, Chiswick Auctions invited Jessica Diamond, Wendy Ramshaw – Modern Jewellery goes on show at BRING OUT THE the suitably-named jewellery editor for Condé Nast the Goldsmiths’ Hall nearly 50 years after her work CHILD IN YOU Traveller, to pick her top 10 lots from the catalogue. This stirs a different was first acquired for the Goldsmiths’ collection She made an observation that would be applicable emotion that is by then art director Graham Hughes, a defining Latefind 18th century same when visiting almost any UK auction or dealer in “wholly personal, moment in the designer’s career. antique and vintage jewellery. 66 Goldsmiths’ Fair has collaborated with The English dolls on “I spend most of my working life on Bond Street and altogether Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh, which holds the offer in US sale and Place Vendôme; and I’ve lost count of the more exciting largest assemblage of works by Ramshaw from June slot number of extraordinary, beautiful jewels that I’ve Jessica Diamond Antique and vintage jewellery highlights from the key periods in her career. This includes her set eyes on. But there is a separation between what I Condé Nast Traveller SixSix ofof thethe bestbest forthcoming LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair: Picasso’s Ladies series (1989), inspired by the artist’s Page 40 see and what I know I can have. portraits of women, and the Room of Dreams (2002) 1. Art Deco platinum, emerald and diamond brooch “Imagine a place where this isn’t the case. Where and Journey Through Glass (2007) collections. by Frances Allitt c.1920 from John Joseph. a selection of jewels, from diamond cluster rings, to fromfrom LAPADA LAPADA Bazaar seller Double Issue – 29 July & 5 August 2017 soft chunky chains, to exquisite Edwardian brooches JewelleryJewellery is is the the single single biggest biggest element element of of the the LAPADA LAPADA 2. A pair of 1950s French yellow gold and In a major cooperative move, next summer’s are all within the realms of ownership – where you ArtArt & & Antiques Antiques Fair Fair (September (September 13-19), 13-19), with with 13 13 diamond butterfly brooches by René Boivin from Largely self-taught, Ramshaw was first noticed series of London book and map fairs has can believe that they can be yours. This stirs a specialistspecialist dealers dealers and and a ahandful handful of of others others who who will will Lucas Rarities. in the 1960s when selling her colourful, flat-pack different emotion that is wholly personal, and includeinclude items items of of personal personal adornment adornment alongside alongside paper jewellery at Mary Quant’s London store 3. Five views of an Elizabeth I portrait ring made to been aligned to run in the same four-day altogether more exciting.” decorativedecorative arts arts or or antiquities. antiquities. Bazaar. Her ‘stacking rings’ displayed on novel commemorate the Armada victory c.1590, from stretch. Among the items she singled out at Chiswick were AQuite few of a thatnumber baker’s of that dozen baker’s have dozentheir trading have their base upright posts were developed around 1965 and CJ Martin. The ABA and PBFA rare book fairs, as an Art Deco jade, enamel and diamond vanity case downtrading the base road just at Grays down Antiquesthe road atCentre Grays (the Antiques best eventually won her the Design Council Award for by Cartier c.1925 – “a perfect snapshot of the Jazz placeCentre for (inquality terms antique of strength jewellery and depth,in London) the best but place it’s 4. A 1950s emerald bead bracelet with large Innovation in 1972. They now feature in over 70 well as The London Map Fair and Etc Fairs’ Age, when women dared to apply lipstick and rouge allfor about quality location, antique location, jewellery location. in London) The butBerkeley it’s all diamond clasp from Anthea AG Antiques. public collections worldwide. Bloomsbury Book Fair, will all open during the in public” – and a 1950s double-clip brooch with Squareabout location,fair provides location, a sense location. of occasion The tentand inthe the The exhibition comes at a time when Ramshaw 5. A pair of diamond clip earrings by Boucheron, brilliant and baguette cut diamonds in a fitted case chanceBerkeley of someSquare spectacular fair provides passing both trade.a sense of occasion pieces, particularly her early work, are attracting second week of June, from Thursday to London, c.1930, from Richard Spicer. IconicSunday, June 6-9, 2019. by Heming & Co. andOn the September chance of 18, some at 3pm, spectacular jewellery passing designer trade. increasing attention on the secondary market. “The brooch is back,” she said. “No longer the AndrewOn September Prince will 18, give at a3pm, presentation jewellery calleddesigner 6. A pair of Portuguese 18th century gold and At Lawrences of Crewkerne earlier this year, a favoured jewel of your granny’s generation, they look DowntonAndrew to Prince Gatsby: will Jewellery give a & presentation Fashion 1890-1929 called. diamond ‘sequillé’ earrings in its original case, from circular cabochon opal necklace hallmarked for Previously ‘out of sync’ great pinned to a lapel, shoulder or collar. Top:Top: an an array array of of five five enamelled enamelled butterfly butterfly brooches brooches by by Child Child & &Child. Child. Estimates Estimates from from SeeDownton LAPADA to Gatsby: fair previewJewellery in & Dealers’Fashion 1890-1929 Diary, p38.. J Baptista. 1971 sold for a multi-estimate £4600. venueThe organisers of the map fair, which has “This jewel splits into two – imagine it divided £400-2000£400-2000 as as part part of of the the Shannon Shannon collection collection at at Woolley Woolley & & Wallis. Wallis. Gabriel Berner historically taken place on that weekend, and attached to the neckline of a cashmere jumper Above:Above: a a1950s 1950s diamond diamond double-clip double-clip brooch brooch (estimate (estimate £2000-3000 £2000-3000) at) at Chiswick Chiswick or jumpsuit – very cool.” AuctionsAuctions on on September September 18. 18. said: “We have always believed that London The estimate for the vanity case is £4000-6000 holds Left:Left: an an Art Art Deco Deco jade, jade, enamel enamel and and diamond diamond vanity vanity case case by by Cartier Cartier (estimate (estimate in June is one of the best times of year to be A return to and £2000-3000 for the clip brooch. £4000-6000£4000-6000), ),also also at at Chiswick Chiswick Auctions Auctions on on September September 18. 18. selling maps, books and other antiques in the Shannon collection capital.” Accessible pricing is a prime reason to choose old The central component of the auction comprises BenjaminBenjamin will will conduct conduct a aticketed ticketed lecture lecture on on the the HUMPHREYHUMPHREY BUTLERBUTLER finalAfter intensive salenegotiations with its new over new. So too are quality of craftsmanship, around 100 pieces by Georg Jensen, including a collectioncollection on on October October 26. 26. AgentsAgents & & Dealers Dealers in in Fine Fine Jewellery Jewellery Battersea venue, the ABA has been able to outstanding design, a sense of history and a sense of significant number of brooches, pendants and HeHe said: said: “Dr “Dr Shannon Shannon started started to to buy buy jewellery jewellery in in * BID LIVE AT thesaleroom.com Send your previews three weeks in advance of sale secure the same weekend and the other fairs adventure. Previewsbracelets fashioned Our in weeklythe very early yearsselection of this fromthethe 1960s, 1960s, saleroomswhen when rare rare and and desirable desirable and antique antique dealerships and and later later * BID LIVE AT thesaleroom.com Remembering All were driving factors in the collectingPreviews odyssey craftsman’s career.Our weekly selection jewelsfromjewels were were salerooms far far more more easily easily available available and than than dealerships they they are are Place a max bid before the auction or bid Place a max bid before the auction or bid to Gabriel Berner at [email protected] have followed suit. live for these items on thesaleroom.com of Anne Shannon, whose archive of more than 350 Shannon also came to embrace a far broader today.today. Her Her collection collection incorporates incorporates many many totemic totemic live for these items on thesaleroom.com Cecil Court dealer Tim Bryars, one of the pieces of late 19th and early 20th century jewellery range of designers and makers from the period. piecespieces by by celebrated celebrated 19th 19th century century revivalist revivalist 42map years fair organisers, told ATG that the will be offered by Woolley & Wallis in Salisbury in a Celebrated European revivalist goldsmiths such goldsmithsgoldsmiths as as well well as as a atruly truly outstanding outstanding range range of of exhibitor response was already “enormously ParisWith the French capital back to business as usual after the long summer stand-alone sale on October 31. as Wiese, Castellani, Giuliano and Melillo were ArtsArts & & Crafts Crafts jewels.” jewels.” The Buckinghamshire collector began buying represented alongside the Gaskins and Child & InIn total, total, this this promises promises to to be be a alandmark landmark sale sale and and a a of strongCSK and positive. auctions We’ve been out of sync break, a wide selection of exhibitions and events, along with auctions timed Georg Jensen silver jewellery while a GP inUp London to £500Child. In particular, after volunteering to assist in sternstern test test of of this this £501market.£501 market. Importantly, -Importantly,- £2000£2000 given given the the £2001£2001 -- £5000£5000 £5001 - £30,000 with the other fairs for years and we’ve con- to coincide, is available to tempt art and antiques buyers. in the 1960s – a time when this material was both the cataloguing of the Omar Ramsden design volumevolume of of material, material, much much of of it it is is offered offered withwith HUMPHREYHUMPHREY BUTLER BUTLER LTD LTD tinued to flourish, but we are excited by this available and affordable. She was advised by Michael drawings at Goldsmiths Hall, Shannon amassed 35 estimatesestimates that that the the market market should should find find attractive. attractive. 40/4140/41 PALL PALL MALL, MALL, LONDON LONDON SW1Y SW1Y 5JG 5JG TEL TEL +44 +44 (0)20 (0)20 7839 7839 3193 3193 WWW.HUMPHREYBUTLER.COM WWW.HUMPHREYBUTLER.COM – page 19-34 von Essen, curator of Jensen’s antique department by Ramsden and Ramsden & Carr. HighlightsHighlights from from these these and and other other sales sales are are Continued on page 6 and museum in Copenhagen for over 40 years.A collection of potteryAhead made of by the Troika sale, in Stjewellery Ives historian John previewedpreviewed on on this Designedthis and and the asthe afollowing followinggoldfish, thispages. pages. n n ThreeThree large large cased cased dioramas dioramas of of exotic exotic This dynamic design by AM Cassandre (1901-68) and assembled over the last 40 years will be sold 1960s 18ct gold ruby, diamond AfricanAfrican birds, birds, prepared prepared by by Ashmead Ashmead advertising the French railway company, Étoile du 14 | 8 September 2018 antiquestradegazette.comantiquestradegazette.com antiquestradegazette.comantiquestradegazette.com2018-HB2018-HB ATG ATG 74x216 74x216 AD.indd AD.indd 3 3 8 September08/08/201808/08/2018 2018 10:35 10:35| 15 4 March 1975 - 19 July 2017 by Lawrences in Somerset on July 5. and enamel brooch is estimated && Co Co of of London London and and destined destined for for the the Nord, is among the stars of an online vintage poster The collection from east Dorset includes a at £450-650 in a July 5 sale of BritishBritish Raj, Raj, will will go go under under the the hammer hammer sale at Onslows on July 13. Auction Calendar the original and most authoritative listing of UK sales – page 60-65 wide variety of Troika pieces split into 22 lots, with jewellery at Fellows. inin a a natural natural history history and and taxidermy taxidermy The well-preserved 3ft 5in x 2ft 6in (1.04m x PAGE 014-15 2357.indd 2 estimates ranging from £50-500. This 10in (25cm) The 2in (5cm) long brooch has 31/08/2018 11:47:24 PAGE 014-15 2357.indd 3 salesale at at Tennants Tennants of of Leyburn Leyburn on on July July 6. 6. 75cm) poster was printed by Hachard31/08/2018 & Cie in 14:21:42Paris high mask is estimated at £300-500. green enamel textured scales and fins with ThoughtThought to to date date to to c.1865-80, c.1865-80, the the cases cases were were reputedly reputedly commissioned commissioned by by a a wealthy wealthy British British in 1927 for Chemin de Fer du Nord and Compagnie family who lived in Mysore, southern India. They were brought back to the UK in 1947, the year Wagon-Lits. lawrences.co.uk* ruby and diamond cluster eyes, and bears import marks family who lived in Mysore, southern India. They were brought back to the UK in 1947, the year for London, 1969. IndiaIndia gained gained independence, independence, and and were were housed housed in in Norfolk Norfolk until until 15 15 years years ago ago when when they they were were After years of French railway posters depicting moved into storage and sold to the vendor. picturesque views or bathing ‘belles’, Cassandre fellows.co.uk* moved into storage and sold to the vendor. On Sunday it's London's Followed by the Largest ThisThis example example above above, ,comprising comprising a a pair pair of of secretarybirds, secretarybirds, a a Northern Northern Black Black Korhaan Korhaan and and a a broke with tradition by focusing on images of the train and the railway itself. This example was This mezzotint engraving after Henry CapeCape Crow, Crow, is is estimated estimated at at £3000-5000 £3000-5000. . inherited by a US expat living in Spain and is estimated at £10,000-15,000. tennants.co.uk onslows.co.uk Largest Sunday Fair at... Fair in the South at... Edridge (1769-1821) depicts Lt Col Sir Henry tennants.co.uk** * Sullivan of the Coldstream Guards. ISSUE 2339 | antiquestradegazette.com | 28 April 2018 | UK £3.95 | USA $7.95 | Europe €5.50 Sullivan was killed in the sortie at the Battle of Bayonne in south-western France This complete set of signed, first Alexandra Sunday 2 Sept MORE MEDAL MOVES Erskine-HillTue leaves 4 Spink & to curateWed Ashcroft collection,5 Sept page 6 on April 1814. This was the last action of the PotteriesPotteries Auctions’ Auctions’ two-day two-day sale sale on on July July 14-15 14-15 will will Two original ink watercolours by edition ‘deluxe’ Harry Potter books Palace 8.30am - 9.30am £12 Ardingly Tuesday 9am - 5pm £20 (Tuesday ticket allows Peninsular War, which took place as news includeinclude this this 7½in 7½in (19cm) (19cm) high high Royal Royal Doulton Doulton ‘double ‘double the Georgian caricaturist Thomas is estimated at £9000-15,000 in TV SUNDAY FAIR TUES & WEDS of Napoleon’s abdication was beginning to spook’spook’ figure figure in in a a glazedglazed whitewhite colourway.colourway. ItIt is is Rowlandson (1756-1827) will be and film sale at Vectis in Thornaby, 9.30am - 4.30pm £6 entry on Wednesday) Wednesday 8am - 4pm THE£5 SHINY SIDE reach the opposing forces. impressedimpressed with with the the number number 211 211 and and dated dated 1924 1924. . offered at Warrington Auctions in Stockton-on-Tees, on July 10. OF THE MOON Alexandra Palace Way NORTH LONDON N22 7AY South of England Showground, Ardingly WEST SUSSEX RH17 6TL Sullivan was one of more than 500 Guards EstimateEstimate £500-1000 £500-1000. . Westbrook on July 18. The seven books were published in Louis Osman at DNW 1 hour South of London, 12 miles from Gatwick who lost their lives after General Thouvenot potteriesauctions.com potteriesauctions.com* Estimated together at £2000- London by Bloomsbury between 1997- and other recent * 4000, The Graceless Apprentice 2007. Each volume is signed by author l l 30 mins North of Brighton, 90 mins from jewelleryDover highlights led a sortie of 5000 men in the middle of the Organisers of International 01636 702326 [email protected] www.iacf.co.uk and The Discovery (pictured) are JK Rowling in blue and black ink. Antiques & Collectors Fairs Page 14-20 night to break the British siege. The 12 x 18in (30 x 46cm) full-length signed and measure 10 x 8in (25 vectis.co.uk* portrait mezzotint is priced at £375 x 20cm). from Christopher Clarke Antiques in warringtonauctions.co.uk * Gloucestershire. campaignfurniture.com A July 11 sale of jewellery at Dreweatts in Donnington Priory, Newbury, will feature this gold, enamel, sapphire and diamond PAGE 001, 004, 006 2356 .indd 1 24/08/2018 16:20:50 LAPADA boss hinged bangle created by Masriera y Carreras. Be the Change is the slogan heading this AmongAmong the the Welsh Welsh pottery pottery going going under under the the hammer hammer The firm, which merged the jewellery dynasties of the exits after just political poster, created to celebrate atat Rogers Rogers Jones Jones & & Co Co on on July July 7 7 in in Cardiff Cardiff is is this this Masiera and Carreras families in 1915, is known for its A collection of the inauguration of President Barack largelarge and and unrecorded unrecorded Nantgarw Nantgarw saucer saucer dish dish Art Nouveau style. maritime pictures by Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden decorateddecorated by by the the noted noted enameller enameller Thomas Thomas This signed bangle decorated with a seated nymph three months Cornish artist Terry in 2009. PardoePardoe (1770-1823). (1770-1823). is made from an original design by Lluís Masriera and New chief executive already Bailey (b.1941) will go The 3ft x 2ft (91 x 61cm) poster was TheThe 7in 7in (17cm) (17cm) wide wide porcelain porcelain piece, piece, comes in a Masriera I Carreras box with a certificate card under the hammer at chosen and soon to be revealed designed by Shepard Fairey (b.1970) mouldedmoulded and and decorated decorated with with a a pink pink rose rose dated 05-07-89. Estimate £6000-8000. After South Kensington... Sherborne saleroom and was acquired directly from the andand other other flowers, flowers, is is possibly possibly unique unique and and dreweatts.com Charterhouse on * by Noelle McElhatton artist by the vendor. maymay have have been been an an experimental experimental saucer. saucer. July 27. It is guided at €500-700 in a TheThe auction auction house house notes notes that that its its large large size size Patricia Stevenson, the former Tatler magazine publish- The pictures come summer art auction at Whyte’s of indicatesindicates the the saucer saucer was was probably probably intended intended ing director recently appointed as chief executive of from a deceased ...who will fill the void? dealer body LAPADA, has left the association. to be used with an oversized breakfast cup. Dublin on July 9. to be used with an oversized breakfast cup. estate in Somerset In November she was unveiled as successor to whytes.ie EstimateEstimate £2500-3500 £2500-3500.. Rebecca Davies, who left LAPADA after three and a where they were * £30,000 plus rogersjones.co.ukrogersjones.co.uk n Life after CSK: page 14-15 n The last-ever sale: page 22-23 n Wrap party picture special: page 62-63 half years to return to the contemporary art world. collected by a retired ** ATG understands that Stevenson was in the role Royal Navy Fleet Air three months before deciding to leave. LAPADA Arm officer. chairman Lord de Mauley said she left the association A Military Medal group won during one of “to pursue other business interests”. He added that a Bailey is best known for his paintings of yachting scenes, both historical and WelshWelsh saleroom saleroom Peter Peter Francis Francis of of Carmarthen Carmarthen will will offer offer three three classic classic motorcycles motorcycles the fiercest but least-known actions fought by new chief executive has “agreed to join LAPADA contemporary. This 12½ x 18in (32 x 45cm) watercolour drawing, titled Off Carrick Nath Point St imminently” and that the incumbent has “a wealth of consignedconsigned from from a a single single source source in in its its sale sale on on July July 11. 11. British soldiers is estimated at £30,000-40,000 at Mawes, is estimated at £200-400. experience in the industry”. TheThe rarest, rarest, pictured pictured below below, ,is is a a 1971 1971 Bultaco Bultaco Sherpa Sherpa 244ccs 244ccs trials trials bike bike with with a a Dix Noonan Webb on July 18-19. A top priority for the new CEO will be to oversee charterhouse-auction.com the running of the 10th-anniversary LAPADA Art & * bespokebespoke frame, frame, guided guided at at £2000-3000 £2000-3000. . Private DMR Walker was serving in the Korean War in Antiques Fair, hosted in London’s Berkeley Square in ItIt was was first first registeredregistered April 1951 when his unit, the Gloucestershire Regiment September. ThisThis Vienna Vienna porcelain porcelain cabinet cabinet plate, plate, toto Sammy Sammy Miller, Miller, a a – known as the Glorious Glosters – was overrun by a PAGE 001 2302.indd 1 21/07/2017 16:39:45 Clare Hinde, the former Royal Horticultural Society events head appointed by Stevenson as LAPADA fair More than 770 lots of flatware, antique and dateddated to to c.1880, c.1880, is is priced priced at at £675 £675 championship-winningchampionship-winning huge force of Chinese troops in the Battle of Imjin River. A director, has also left the association. She was hired to modern silver and objects of vertu will feature fromfrom Regent Regent Antiques Antiques in in Harringay, Harringay, motorcyclemotorcycle racer racer of of the the 650-strong British battalion was destroyed. replace Mieka Sywak, who has become commercial in Woolley & Wallis’ July 17 sale in Salisbury. northnorth London. London. 1960s1960s and and ‘70s. ‘70s. He engaged in a solo shoot-out with the enemy. director of artificial intelligence firm Genus AI. De Mauley praised “the engagement and positive In the post-war and modern section TheThe 9in 9in (24cm) (24cm) wide wide piece piece is is AA small small 1978 1978 Honda Honda Slinging his Bren gun to the hip position, he sprang into attitude of LAPADA members, who, together with is this commemorative silver inkwell by hand-paintedhand-painted with with musicians. musicians. It It 125ccs125ccs TL125, TL125, lightly lightly position and started shooting – almost immediately he the board and staff, bring the pro-active, co-operative Weaving auction magic Sebastian Garrard, London 1935. The hashas a a rim rim of of six six panels panels decorated decorated modified,modified, is is estimatedestimated himself was hit and severely wounded, but his objective spirit in which the association was founded into current times, where it is ever more resonant”. Herculean tapestry collection with JP Morgan provenance sends North 4in (10cm) wide piece is engraved Silver withwith scrolls, scrolls, foliate foliate and and floral floral atat £800-1200, £800-1200, while while had been achieved. LAPADA was founded in 1974 and has more than Mymms contents sale to £1.75m at Sworders – page 7 Jubilee of King George V 1935, The Gift of The ornamentationornamentation in in raised raised gilt gilt on on a a thethe biggest biggest and and oldest oldest Taken prisoner, he was again wounded during 550 members. Goldsmiths Company, and was owned by the mulberrymulberry ground. ground. consignedconsigned is is a a 1954 1954 BSA BSA an American air attack, before escaping, only to be English Art Deco silversmith H G Murphy TheThe plate plate bears bears the the underglaze underglaze GoldenGolden Flash Flash 650ccs 650ccs twin twin recaptured by the Communists and spending a further two years in captivity. Auction Calendar the original and most authoritative listing of UK and international sales – pages 46-50 & 52-57 (1884-1939). It has passed by descent to the ImperialImperial & & Royal Royal Vienna Vienna ‘beehive’ ‘beehive’ mark mark withwith Watsonian Watsonian sidecar, sidecar, Walker had served under age during the Second World War in north-west Europe and vendor and is estimated at £300-400. andand the the title title Riccio Riccio.. guidedguided at at £3000-5000. £3000-5000. was wounded. regentantiques.com peterfrancis.co.uk dnw.co.uk Go to Transit2insure.com to protect Art & Antiques woolleyandwallis.co.uk* regentantiques.com peterfrancis.co.uk** 26 | 7 July 2018 antiquestradegazette.comantiquestradegazette.com antiquestradegazette.comantiquestradegazette.com 7 July 2018 | 27

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Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us. By submitting your information, you agree to our Privacy Policy availabale at antiquestradegazette.com News First published, 12 - 19 June 2018, ATG Nos 2346 - 2347 MPs consider extending ban to more species Call for further regulation in Commons ivory bill debate by Roland Arkell amended at a later date.” The suggested it will be necessary to association is still fundraising debate some of the finer points We have in the hope of mounting a legal at committee stage. 12 JUNE 2018: The bill that restrictions but challenge to the legislation. This included clarification of will mean a near-total ban on The almost wholly consen- the legal definitions that will “the restrictions the sale of African elephant sual ‘ivory’ debate ran in the surround the proposed exemp- ivory could be extended to don’t work Commons from 7.15-10pm with tions – particularly the key include other ivory-bearing around 40 cross-party MPs in phrase ‘objects of outstandingly species before it becomes law. attendance. high artistic, cultural or histori- The steps have been met house for many years to come, The second reading passed cal value’. with concern by dealer associa- so if we are going to try to pro- with unanimous support. The MPs also wanted to know Michael Gove, secretary tion BADA. tect those species, it makes bill will now pass to committee how the law will apply to online of state for environment During a second reading in sense for us to do it now.” stage scheduled for June 12. sales and asked if an annual reg- the House of Commons on A BADA spokesman told During the June 4 debate the ister of the items issued with June 4, many speakers sug- ATG: “We have grave concerns argument was made many exemptions would be made with ivory insulators to demon- gested the Government should over any proposal to extend the times that that the current law publicly available. strate the de minimis rule that look at items including sperm bill to cover other species – allowing for the trade in ele- They also sought clarity on will be subject to a paid-for reg- whale teeth, narwhal horns and before there has been proper phant ivory worked prior to proper funding for the Wildlife istration scheme. hippo tusks in the legislation. inquiry, investigation and con- 1947 – is inadequate. “We have Crime Unit (currently with an “There are 20,000 antiques The argument given was that a sideration of the impact of the restrictions but the restrictions annual budget of just dealers in the country and ban on one form of ivory could proposals. don’t work,” said the environ- £250,000) and Border Force many have items such as this increase pressure on another. “The bill currently is being ment secretary Michael Gove. ahead of the changes to the law that will require certification,” Timing was also a factor. pushed through at incredible The need for a narrow band – referencing a point made ear- he said. “When this law comes Kerry McCarthy, MP for haste, which can result in too of exceptions was supported by lier in in the day by dealer in at least 400,000 certificates Bristol East, said: “We know little scrutiny, which in the past all but one MP (John Mann, Michael Baggott as a guest on [documents] will need to be that this will be the only time has led to laws that were poorly Labour MP for Bassetlaw), BBC Two’s Daily Politics. issued. Now who is going to we have an ivory bill before this drafted and have needed to be although most of the speakers He used a Victorian teapot do that?”

‘Quick, affordable’ registration process for ivory by Laura Chesters Left: BAMF recommended to be included. chairman Anthony The committee also dis- Browne, BADA cussed the need to ensure there 19 JUNE 2018: MPs have secretary general is sufficient funding in place for called for a “quick, affordable Mark Dodgson and the relevant authorities to and not too bureaucratic” reg- portrait miniature enforce the bill. Redcar MP istration process for items specialist Emma Anna Turley said: “I was containing less than 10% ivory Rutherford gave shocked that the CITES Border under the bill that will usher in evidence to the Force team at Heathrow has a near-total ban on the trade in committee. only 10 people and that the ivory objects. National Wildlife Crime Unit The House of Commons’ has only 12 people, given the ivory bill committee discussed existing scale of the problem. clarifications to exemptions this They will have an awful lot of week and during these meetings individual can be advised that of the border force agencies to Rutherford gave evidence on work to do when the bill is in Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk it will be a matter of a short, deal with the ivory law in the the size of portrait miniatures force.” argued: “It is key that we ensure proportionate pause and a UK. and MPs argued a definition of The ivory bill committee will that the registration process is small, proportionate outlay to During the first two sessions this object type should be continue to discuss evidence quick, affordable and not too ensure that the item becomes of the committee meetings evi- included in the bill. and amendments until June 21. bureaucratic, so that when an legal.” dence was given by British Art The definition of a “portable Following this committee stage item is discovered in the course Other issues raised during Market Federation chairman portrait that is of no more than the bill will return to the floor of a furniture sale, instead of discussions were the 10% de Anthony Browne, BADA’s sec- 204mm in height, no more than of the House of Commons for being told that it will cost a minimis rule, the size of por- retary general Mark Dodgson 153mm in width, made by the report stage and third read- huge amount of money and trait miniatures, the cost of and Emma Rutherford from painting on to a sheet of ivory ing. Following this it will time to defer the process, an registering objects and the size Philip Mould & Company. no more than 5mm thick” was progress to the House of Lords. 10 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE antiquestradegazette.com First published, 19 - 26 June 2018, ATG Nos 2347 -2348 Letters to the Editor

Duplicated emails dominated ivory consultation responses

MADAM – The consultation by only really sign if you supported the Surely this consultation needs to be DEFRA on the proposed government ban. repeated, with both sides of the ivory ban seemingly gave no So, these three organisations supplied argument being available to respondents information for or against a total ban on 99.9 % of the responses. It is very hard and a much wider population sampling ivory which could help respondents to take this survey as a serious and than previous. have an informed opinion. credible attempt to get an unemotional It is very hard to Of the total of 127,607 responses to and unbiased response to a very serious Fletcher Wallis take this survey as a the questionnaire on banning ivory, question. It is hardly surprising then via email “serious and 39,485 were identical emails from that Mr Gove got the answer that he members of the Stop Ivory Campaign wanted. DEFRA response: credible attempt to (30.9%), 21,099 were ‘largely The population of the UK is at A Defra spokesperson said: “The consultation get an unemotional duplicated’ emails from a campaign by present 65.6m, so one must ask how the ran for 12 weeks and we engaged with response to a very the Avaaz organisation (16.5%), and opinion of 0.00019% of an uninformed stakeholders and gathered information. The serious question 66,472 (52% ) responded to a 38 part of the population of the country be ivory sales ban takes account of the views and Degrees campaign which you would allowed to influence its legislation. evidence received.” Ivory ban is right move and the trade must accept it

MADAM – Despite extensive editorial coverage as well as correspondence in Antiques Trade Gazette, the debate on banning ivory News seems to lack balance. May I put in a word for the government which is proposing a total ban? ‘Quick, affordable’ registration process for ivory Works on paper fair bows This is the way forward. Once ivory, all of which whatever by Laura Chesters Left: BAMF chairman Anthony Browne, BADA’s sec- enforce the bill. Redcar MP out after three decades Anthony Browne, BADA retary general Mark Dodgson Anna Turley said: “I was its age comes from dead elephants, is secretary general Mark and Emma Rutherford from shocked that the CITES Border no longer a valuable commodity, then MPs have called for a “quick, Dodgson and portrait Philip Mould & Company. Force team at Heathrow has by Frances Allitt affordable and not too bureau- miniature specialist Rutherford gave evidence on only 10 people and that the trade will eventually cease. cratic” registration process for Emma Rutherford the size of portrait miniatures National Wildlife Crime Unit It will simply take time for people items containing less than 10% gave evidence to the and MPs argued a definition of has only 12 people, given the The Works on Paper Fair has ivory under the bill that will committee. this object type should be existing scale of the problem. ceased running after more than in the trade with vested interests, usher in a near-total ban on the included in the bill. They will have an awful lot of 30 years – a reflection of a con- trade in ivory objects. of a furniture sale, instead of discussions were the 10% de The definition of a “portable work to do when the bill is in tracting market, dealers say. to get used to this. But as a policy, The House of Commons’ being told that it will cost a minimis rule, the size of por- portrait that is of no more than force.” Fair directors Lucy Russell it is definitely a move in the right ivory bill committee discussed huge amount of money and trait miniatures, the cost of 204mm in height, no more than The ivory bill committee will and Richard Hodgson of Hodg- clarifications to exemptions this time to defer the process, an registering objects and the size 153mm in width, made by continue to discuss evidence son Events told ATG that the direction. week and during these meetings individual can be advised that of the border force agencies to painting on to a sheet of ivory and amendments until June 21. rising costs of the event and its It hasCheltenham accepted MP only Alex Chalkthe views it will of be a matterAbove: of a short, the dealivory with trade the ivory ban law is in the no more than 5mm thick” was Following this committee stage specialist nature meant that it argued: “It is key that we ensure proportionate pause and a UK. recommended to be included. the bill will return to the floor was increasingly difficult to get Niall Milligan the emotivethat the and registration vociferous process is brigade,small, proportionate being outlay debated to During by MPs the first (ATG two sessions The committee also dis- of the House of Commons for enough exhibitors to make its Penzance who arequick, interested affordable in and heritage not too ensure that the itemNo becomes 2347). of the committee meetings evi- cussed the need to ensure there the report stage and third read- running financially viable. bureaucratic, so that when an legal.” dence was given by British Art is sufficient funding in place for ing. Following this it will They added that they “felt destruction,item is discoveredrather thanin the course in actually Other issues raised during Market Federation chairman the relevant authorities to progress to the House of Lords. unable to continue to pass on ‘Olympic’ Defra arrogance saving elephants. Defra has accepted only the these costs to exhibitors, result- ing in an increasing mismatch MADAM – The casual non-response What does the spokesman now views of the emotive and between the income generated from stands” and the costs of to the excellent letter from Fletcher have to say about the numerous “vociferous brigade putting the event together. Wallis by the so-called Defra forthcomingRediscovered: claims for compensation Canova’s ‘Giorgione’ “It is with regret that we ‘spokesperson’, (ATG No 2347), who against the government, reaching a have made this decision,” said hoax for sale at London Art Week Chiswick plans to Russell, who thanked those says nothing of any value, betrays an multi-million pound total, in respect expand to 100 staff involved over the years. “The Use premium“and for 21 departments protection spirit of this fair is legendary.” Olympic arrogance which quite takes of ivory byobjects Frances Allitt bought legally, but Left: Antonio Exhibitors were told of the one’s breath away. which will shortly be illegal to sell, MADAM – I wonderCanova’s if auctioneers fictional mightContinued from front Residualpage income for elephant decision earlier this month. A painting created by Antonio self portrait of The fair has assumed a Far from the ivory sales ban taking unless senseCanova belatedly (1757-1822) as prevails?an 18th consider using theirthe Venetian buyer’s premiumOsborne said:conservation “Our strategy and recycling of ivory could century art world prank has from antique ivoryRenaissance sales, or part of isit, toto continuebe this achieved. pace of account of the views and evidence been rediscovered after more master Giorgione. growth. It is hard to find good received, as claimed, it would appear that Gavin Littaurthan 200 years. conserve the elephant species? staff to keep upDermot with our Murphygrowth It will be offered by Italian plans.” Defra has, in fact, ignored the evidence. Londondealership NW4 Antonacci Lapi- Chiswick is currently look- ccirella Fine Art in London this ing for a third specialist for its Above: 55 Prince’s Gate, antiquestradegazette.com month for a price in the region jewellery department, a cata- ATGExhibition IVORY Road, the COVERAGE new London | 11 of £1m. loguer for its books team, a base for The Pedestal. The story of the painting has modern picture specialist, a been well known since it was photography specialist and an Prevezer, who worked at first exhibited in 1792. Asian art cataloguer. Phillips for 30 years and was The 2ft 5in x 2ft 1in (72.5 x head of the silver department at 64cm) oil on board was created prank. In 2016, Damiano Lapi- were able to identify the Tennants in St James’s CSK for 10 years, will bring by Canova as part of an elabo- ccirella and Francesca painting. Tennants of Leyburn has taken Georgian and Victorian table rate practical joke. A fictional Antonacci came across it in a Canova’s patron had passed space in a serviced office block silver to the sale at Moor Park self portrait of the Venetian private collection in Rome. it to Giovanni Gherardo de at 33 St James’s Square. Press on November 20. Rogers has Renaissance master Giorgione “Of course we knew the story Rossi, who had sold it to the officer Harriet Hunter Smart over 10 years’ experience as a Above: Reflection from 1915 by FCB Cadell was painted over a 16th century of the Canova painting but we Pozzi family and from there it said: “We wanted a presence in handbag consultant to a which sold for £720,000 at Sotheby’s sale of Holy Family to lend it an air of simply assumed that it had long ended up in a private collection the heart of central London to number of UK auctioneers. works from the Harrison collection. The price authenticity. vanished,” says Lapiccirella. about 100 years ago. It had make it easier for clients.” The However, this will be her first was an auction record for the artist. Canova and his patron col- “It’s like finding the Holy Grail, never left Rome. company has an office in Har- stand-alone venture. luded to present the work to a finding one of those mysterious It is now offered as part of rogate but closed its Oakham Savill told ATG the firm’s group of leading artists in Rome paintings you never quite know London Art Week (June 29 – July office in the Midlands earlier business model would allow for – all of whom declared it an whether they still exist.” 6) – the second Canova redis- this year. additional specialists to con- authentic work of Giorgione. Following extensive analysis, covery to be included in that Meanwhile The Pedestal’s tribute to future sales. “We will A year later Canova revealed including consultation with event. The other is his white inaugural Luxury Design auc- look at any specialist with the 20TH CENTURY DECORATIVE ARTS himself as the artist. other experts (such as Fernando marble Bust of Peace, estimated tion will take place in right kind of experience. The INVITING CONSIGNMENTS The painting quickly fell out Mazzocca, who has written the to make in excess of £1m at Knightsbridge on October 16 at market is polarised. We are at Tuesday 25 September of the public eye following the catalogue for the painting), they Sotheby’s auction of July 4. Kent House, Rutland Gardens. the point where many disci- In addition to designer hand- plines can’t necessarily sustain PRINT ONLINE APP bags and accessories, the sale a stand-alone sale. But we can For further coverage and breaking news every day visit: Enquiries: Fiona Baker will include silver by makers bring those specialist areas of [email protected] antiquestradegazette.com such as Jensen, Baccarat, Tif- perhaps 60-80 lots each +44 (0) 20 8761 2522 fany, Asprey and Dunhill. together.” 6 | 23 June 2018 antiquestradegazette.com antiquestradegazette.com

PAGE 001, 006-07 2347.indd 2 15/06/2018 16:51:55 News & Letters First published, 3 - 10 July 2018, ATG Nos 2349 - 2350

Counsel says wait for ivory challenge by Noelle McElhatton It added: “We are hopeful Left: the third that amendments will be Commons tabled and debated with the 3 JULY 2018: Trade bodies debate on the aim of focusing the legislation seeking to legally challenge the ivory bill is on tackling the illegal interna- government’s plan for a near- scheduled for tional trade in modern total UK ban on the sale of July 4. poached ivory whilst protect- ivory have been told they must ing antique cultural, religious wait until the bill receives and devotional objects which Royal Assent. are part of the social history of The aim had previously Africa, Asia and Europe.” been to challenge the bill before it became law. Two potential challenges Dealer organisations BADA Legal advice the trade bodies and LAPADA, together with received outlined two potential auctioneer body SOFAA, areas of challenge to the act received counsel from a QC once it receives Royal Assent after raising funds for legal (before it enters the statute advice among members and ahead of the third reading of for debate. A statement from have concerns that the govern- book). These are property collectors (ATG No 2341). the bill in the House of Com- the consortium said it hoped ment has significantly rights under the Human Rights The consortium of trade mons, on July 4, after which it for amendments during the underestimated the impact of Act (1998) and free movement bodies received the advice passes to the House of Lords parliamentary process as “we the bill”. of goods under EU law.

2019 netsuke It’s not so simple 3 JULY 2018: I am writing to counter the conference pulls simplistic view espoused by Niall Milligan on the banning of ivory (Letters, out of London ATG No 2348). He suggests that the banning of ivory will cause the price to fall and by Laura Chesters than their ivory content, trading in ivory to cease. moving the convention, almost Currently class A drugs certainly to Paris, is a sign of are banned, but I believe 3 JULY 2018: The govern- things to come.” they remain quite popular ment’s imminent ivory law Bandini added that “London and the price appears to Above: BADA chairman change has forced an interna- has been pre-eminent in the be holding up very well. Michael Cohen. tional collectors’ conference to field of Asian art since the end The markets for antique pull out of London and move of the 19th century” and attend- and modern ivory are to this”. I suggest Mr overseas. ees for the annual convention totally separate and the Milligan puts himself in The International Netsuke come from all over the world, banning of antique ivory the shoes of a dealer who Society Convention, due to be including Australia, Japan and may well prevent its sale has been dealing legally held in the capital on May 2-6, Mexico. as those who buy sell and for 30 or more years in 2019, has been cancelled The ivory ban received fur- collect these objects are Japanese or Indian applied because participants are reluc- ther publicity last week as the law-abiding people who art. tant to exhibit in London under British Museum revealed it had abhor poaching as much Such dealers are now a near-total ivory trade ban. accepted a huge collection of as anybody. facing bankruptcy and Japanese art expert and con- ivory works of art. Modern ivory, on the ruin for the sake of a piece vention organiser Rosemary A celebrated collection of Above: a Qing vase, one of the other hand, is already of populist legislation that Bandini said: “It is extremely ivories from The Sir Victor Sas- 556 Sassoon ivories accepted by banned. But banning can never succeed in the disappointing that the UK is soon Chinese Ivories Trust will the British Museum. something does not aims claimed to justify it. already losing its place as a be going on display at the Brit- Image: British Museum deter criminals, rather centre of excellence in Asian art ish Museum after it acquired it incentivises them. The Michael Cohen as a direct result of the govern- the collection earlier this year. to collect historical specimens”. price of poached ivory will Chairman, BADA ment’s proposed ban. Museum director Dr He added: “We are not gaining rise and more elephants “I am deeply concerned that Hartwig Fischer said he “sup- anything by destroying these will be slaughtered. For Michael Cohen’s views on without an exception for old ports the proposal to ban the historic objects. They are part I would also take issue the legal challenge by trade ivory artefacts, which are modern ivory trade worldwide” of that incredible diversity of with Mr Milligan’s view bodies to the ivory ban bill, see clearly valued for their histori- but human cultures that have that “dealers will get used antiquestradegazette.com cal and cultural value rather that it is “right for the museum evolved over millions of years.” 12 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE antiquestradegazette.com First published, 3 & 10 July 2018, ATG Nos 2349, 2350 News & Letters Write to editor Noelle McElhatton at: [email protected] Ivory: British Museum dilemma

MADAM – We find the British The British Museum responds: Museum’s double-faced agreement The museum fully supports the to accept the Sassoon ivories, ivory ban bill and the exemptions it while telling all other ivory includes which will allow museums collectors to stuff their holdings to continue to acquire objects and in the interest of saving elephants, make them available for display and typical of the lost moral compass public benefit. among politicians and public The proposed exemptions will institutions. also allow the continued sale of Dr Fischer called the items which are of significant Sassoon ivories of “the greatest artistic, cultural and historic value, significance”. along with musical instruments, The British Museum needs portrait miniatures and those items no lessons from the Ivory which contain a small percentage Education Institute on how all of ivory which come under the major museums obtain the bulk ‘de minimis’ exemption. The ivory of their holdings. It is from the objects cared for by the British passion, pursuit and investments Museum are integral parts of the

The Trustees of the British Museum of collectors who assemble the collection, and play an indispensable Above: the British Museum in London. objects museums come to covet. part in the museum’s presentation How then can the museum of the history of human cultural MADAM – News that the Fischer, that it “fully and works of art that incorporate justify absorbing one collection achievement. British Museum is to accept unreservedly” supported ivory elements. while throwing all other collections the donation of more than banning the ivory trade He seems sensible and under the bus until such time as 500 Chinese ivory figures worldwide. It would be must surely recognise that it declares something else of “the from the Sir Victor Sassoon helpful if he could clarify there is absolutely nothing highest cultural value” and finds collection, mainly from the his remark and give a clear about the UK government’s that since “they exist…they do not 18th and 19th centuries, is to endorsement to an end to the proposed legislation that save any elephant’s life today”? be welcomed... to a degree! slaughter of living elephants, could conceivably save the life My concern lies with but not to the cessation of the of a single pachyderm. Godfrey Harris the statement by museum buying and selling of antique Managing director, Ivory Education director, Dr Hartwig ivory carvings or antique Graham Gemmell Institute, Los Angeles

Lords to table ivory bill amendments by Laura Chesters Ivory bill 10 JULY 2018: The House of – key dates Lords plans to recommend amendments to the ivory bill in July 4 the hope that it will be “less Ivory bill passed damaging” to the art and unanimously by the antiques trade. The bill, designed to intro- House of Commons duce a near-total ban on the ivory trade, is due to move July 17 from the Commons to the House of Lords upper house later this month. Above: Matthew Carrington (also shown right) spoke in the Lords on debate on the ivory Lord Matthew Carrington the ivory issue in December. bill begins of Fulham told ATG: “My con- cern is the bill will not be antique ivory. We are hoping to registration requirements. He to ensure it is possible for these July 25 effective in stopping the trade make amendments. We must is also seeking clarification museums to buy the types of September 3 – in illegal modern ivory as it is not allow the destruction of about what museums can buy items they want.” far too complicated. But at the artistic heritage.” under proposed exemptions. Last week environment Summer recess same time it will make life He highlighted institutions minister Michael Gove con- October complicated for dealing with De minimis rule such as the Cutlery Collection firmed plans to consult on a old ivory. Lord Carrington said the in the Sheffield Industrial proposed widening of the ban Government target to “We want to create a more Lords is planning to table Museums, the Geffrye to include other ivory-bear- enact bill into law workable bill that is more effec- amendments relating to the so- Museum in London and The ing species such as hippo, tive in stopping the modern called de minimis exemption Holburne Museum in Bath that walrus and narwhal. trade in ivory and that is less (antiques with less than 10% of focus upon domestic life The consultation will launch damaging to the trade in ivory) and specifically the throughout the ages. “We want “as soon as possible” but will antiquestradegazette.com ATG IVORY COVERAGE | 13 News & Letters First published, 10 - 24 July 2018, ATG Nos 2350, 2352

Ivory ban ‘is a purely opportunistic move’

MADAM – I write in support to me last week, ‘well that is thrown away, or the proposed ivory ban bill. of the views expressed in BADA a funny coincidence, isn’t it!’ destroyed, which Mr Cohen pleas for the dealers chairman Michael Cohen’s letter disrespects the which are facing ‘bankruptcy’, but (ATG No 2349), written in response Christopher Richardson elephant’s memory. how many dealers rely on the sale of to another letter supporting the ban Brighton However, by ivory items for their entire or most (ATG No 2348). means of a simple, of their revenue? I would be very One can only conclude that this single amendment, interested in a number on this. legislation is not only ill-thought- Living in ‘ivory towers’ sense will prevail. We all have to make concessions to out, but a purely opportunistic move MADAM – Having studied the The trade bodies changing legislation over our careers by the interested parties in wanting subject of antique ivory, and should discard the and surely in a civilised world, it is to get their name in the press and collected it for many years, lawyers and organise not acceptable to trade in endangered win votes. Now that those politicians it seems to me that Michael themselves into a animal body parts. have started this absurd process, Cohen, BADA chairman, is sensible arrangement, The fashion world has adjusted to they will leave everybody else to pick unaware that his organisation, which they put the legislation of trading in animal up the pieces. together with LAPADA and to government, furs, why not the ivory dealer? Mr As Mr Cohen states, there is SOFAA, appear to live in an whereby the antiques Cohen’s analogy with banning class already legislation in place to counter ivory tower, so to speak. Above: BADA chairman trade urgently creates A drugs is ludicrous. the illegal trade in modern ivory. Not only have they been asking Michael Cohen’s letter in a body specifically to Ivory items in museums are often These new proposals contained in the all the wrong questions, but they are ATG No 2349. issue certificates of wonderful and certainly historic. bill will not do the slightest thing to posing them too late. authenticity for ivory They just should have no monetary stop the trade in poached ivory. They A dose of practical reality now needs to which, in their expert opinion, is over 100 value attached. Items could be will, however, potentially destroy be injected into the proceedings. years old, whether the object consists of 10% donated, but not sold. large quantities of artworks and put The chance of preventing an ivory bill or 100% of ivory. If an item has no monetary value, many dealers out of business. has evaporated. There is, however, a win-win Only these objects will be allowed to be the demand will surely diminish both Another ATG correspondent the solution, which will not only protect our bought and sold; trading in anything more here and in Asia over time, and the other week also highlighted the vast priceless antiques heritage, but which will modern becomes illegal. impact on the endangered species irregularities in the votes cast in also leave the path open to protect the will surely improve. favour of the ban. The huge number present-day elephant. Gavin Littaur The antiques trade is not exempt of identical email votes would, in So far as turn-of-the-century and earlier London NW4 from moral choices and we agree with most cases, warrant an investigation ivory is concerned – genuine antiques – your headline on Mr Cohen’s letter: of the whole process. However, the elephant has long gone, but its legacy ‘It is not so simple’. because there is a political agenda remains, and it should remain. Under the Not exempt from moral choices behind the ban, nobody is interested proposed new law, virtually all antique MADAM – We write in response to Paul and Karen Rennie in querying this. ivory will become worthless, as it cannot BADA chairman Michael Cohen’s Rennies Seaside Modern As an exhibitor at Masterpiece said be traded, and much of it will tragically be letter (ATG No 2349), challenging Folkestone

Ivory: Lords speak out against ‘kafkaesque’ registration rules by Laura Chesters Lord De Mauley, chairman of art and antiques dealer body 24 JULY 2018: The so-called LAPADA, said: “I want to The cost of de minimis rule – the require- make sure that what we enact “registration may ment to register items and put on the statute book is well exceed the containing less than 10% of workable and does not collapse value of the item ivory prior to sale – has been under the weight of its own criticised in the House of Lords bureaucracy.” as the ivory bill continues its The House of Lords com- progress through parliament. mittee stage debate will be on The environment minister Although the majority of held on September 10 and 12 on Michael Gove hopes to enact Image courtesy of Parliament Live TV members of the Lords sup- the floor of the Lords. the legislation in October. ported the bill, a handful of members of the upper house Federation (BAMF), suggested of which are of little or no inter- spoke in favour of amendments that the mechanics of the de est to the Asian market PLAY including Lord De Mauley, minimis should be changed. — which is, after all, the root Lord Inglewood, Lord Cor- “What to me is perverse... is cause of the elephant’s plight. Digital subscribers can view video mack, Lord Carrington of the almost kafkaesque process “This bill merits general highlights of the debate in the House of Lords online at: Fulham and former BADA of registration,” he said. “The support but, with a little tweak- antiquestradegazette.com president Baroness Rawlings. cost of registration may well ing, it could become excellent Lord Inglewood, president exceed the value of the item in legislation which I could UPGRADE TO A DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR JUST £10 of the British Art Market question and the ivory elements wholeheartedly endorse.” 14 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE antiquestradegazette.com News & Letters First published, 11 August - 25 August 2018, ATG Nos 2353 - 2355

Ivory: call for On ivoryFeature Silver we need a little Feeling beastly in the more petitioners Left: an owl-form silver -gilt Netherlands and Germany welcome cup by Tobias Zeiler c.1570 – £160,000 at Cheffins and Gorringe’s Christie’s. The so-called auricular style – all organic fluid Below: the Galatea salt lines and asymmetrical shapes populated by arts under the title Exceptional on Jul Fellows marine invertebrates and reptiles – can first be Letterscellar by toAdam van Vianen the editor y 5, included two German animal cups bought by t sold at Sotheby’s on July 4 Pairs of Georgian candlesticks by the best-known London specialist makersWrite to editor Noelle McElhatton at: found in the 1598 ornament book of No consignor at the Yves Saint Laurent and Pier As collecting MADAM – My congratulations to he at £850,000 such as William Cafe and Ebenezer Coker continue to sell well enough, as long as Mannerism, rthern . A detail of the evolves, many Architectura..., by Wendel Dietterlin of Bergé collection sale held by re signature and an engraving condition is acceptable. Stuttgart. Christie’s in Paris in pieces of decorative, high-levelFebruary 2009. Saint Laurentdiplomacy and Bergé published by his son in the An 8in (21cm) tall pair of classic knopped and reeded columns on [email protected] However, it reached its apogee at the Utrecht and historically menagerie of silver-gilt cups – a collectionowned inspired, a 1640s are also pictured square base with shell decoration by Cafe more than doubled top hopes in taking workshop of the greatest silversmiths of the Dut . captivating, Georgian recalled dealers Nicolas and Alexis Kugel, by £2800 at Cheffins (22.5% buyer’s premium) Anthony Bernbaum and to Lewis Golden Age, brothers Paulus (c.157 ch a photograph of Marie-Laure de Noailles Bottom left: a lion-form silver at Cambridge on June 13-14. silver are priced At 0-c.1614) and Gorringe’s (18% buyer’s premium) Adam van Vianen (c.1569-1627). reclining next to a gueridon filled with similar gilt welcome cup by Martin pair of London 1763 sticks by Coker, with turnedon June waisted 16, an 11instems, (27cm) had one tall , 42oz very keenly at both Remarkably, given their great rarity on the animals. Malfeit c.1570 – £160,000 unmarked and catalogued a/f, but went well above hopes at £1800. auction and retail. market, two pieces by Adam have a at sconce Christie’s. Brightest lights of the regional summer so far was a set of four cast sticks This 3.5oz George ppeared for sale in a matter of four mo Welcome cup roars in (three shown III silver pounce Baer for their excellent letters: Mr MADAM – Six hundred andwith medallions recountingnths. the RomanA superb myth ewer of left), by the less well-known John White, London 1738. Willkommen pokale pot, decorated with or welcome cups such as these, White is described by silver specialist Koopman Rare Art as “a mysterious Marcus Curtius dated 1619 sold at Christie’s New offered to guests on arrival, often took a form figure” whose high-quality work is “of Huguenot character”, although there is no Regency style bands of York in April for $5.4m (inc buyer’s premium). Outsize tongs, egg lifters relevant to their owners such as a heraldic beast o known connection between him and the talent pool of emigrés. floral and foliate motifs, It was followed by a figural salt from 1624 that the symbolCITES of a guild. Lions and owl onr the ground The 8in (21cm) sticks offered at the Cheffins June sale were of sufficiently is hallmarked for Rebecca formed part of the Bernbaum’s account of why he ninety-one people is actually a Sotheby’s fairly (25/20/12% buyer’s the most popular. s were among high quality and rarity to be estimated at £3000-5000Ivory: and to fetch an callEmes and Edward forBarnard I, London more 1810. petitioners premium) July 4 Treasures sale. The 6in (15cm) high lion cup c.1570 is by winning bid from a collector. The pierced cover can be removed to fill the £11,000 Martin Malfeit, a goldsmith, probably originallyand expert ding-dongs vessel with pounce, that is, the fine powder (most Salty sea monster from the Netherlands, who became a master of the often made from cuttlefish bone) used both to dry Signed Ao 24 ADe Viana Fe Chiswick MADAM – Myink congratulations or prepare a rough writing surface to for writing. , the 8in (20cm) high Nuremburg guild. government and 100,000 or more left Online Galleries and Mr Baer decent response from a tradesalt depicts Galatea, in her hair encrusted with Little ofMADAM his work is known (only one other MADAM – –I I wasthought interested to your readers Anthony BernbaumThis piece, and with rubbedto Lewisgilding and a shells, supporting the cellar while seated on a piece is recorded) but his wife Esther was the This novelty silver scent bottle, supporting repair to the stem, sold for £150 to raise a parliamentary debate. fantastical sea monster. daughter of the goldsmith Hans I Bauch, while largely immune to the swings of rightthe larger, appealing silver tomarket, two niche was asections Fellows (23% buyer’s premium) at see the picture of ‘outsize tongs’ Baer for their excellent letters:in MrBirmingham on It is among the series of 48 etchings of his own daughter Susanna married Georg target for collectors when offered at May 14. At the time of writing this letter, designs by Adam published by his son Rühl, who was to produce some of the most buyer’s premium) Chiswick Auctions (25% Emes was one of a number of successful advocating the creation of a global which there are only a handful of might beconsidered interested to vegetable tongs in or salad having . a Bernbaum’s account of why he Christian van Vianen in Georgian woman silversmiths or workshop owners Constige Modellen… exceptional Nuremburg silver for th By Walter Thornhill, London 1886, the 3in (7cm) long scent b in the 1640s. Rather than cast, it was – only 691 people have signed the following generation. In 2009 it hade sold with screw top and gilt lining was modelled as a paint tube and – assuming the role on the death of her husband using a very high standard of silver (990 servers from a recent Adam’s sale in ottle left Online Galleries and Mr Baer at €229,000 (£202,654). Pitched here at enamelled with an imitation paper label reading (the engraver and watercolour painter John Emes) parts per 1000) – fashioned petition. A great many more will £180,000-250,000, it sold on the rese New Bond St Vandyke Brown, Walter Thornhill & Co, 144 in 1808. with huge skill from a Dublin (ATG No 2352, page 21). . Estimated at £250-350 at the June 17 sale, it sold at advocating the creation of a global trade body for the art and antiques interested parties (Letters, ATG No greater rveunderstanding of the at £160,000. need to sign if any sort of message single sheet of metal. £900. One wonders if Tobias Zeiler had ever You may be interested to know trade body for the art and antiques Prior to a 1937 sale at seen the king of the jungle when he ma is going to be conveyed. Are there Sotheby’s it had been in the a similar 8½in (21cm) high vessel in dethat this item was almost certainly Great Western Auctions sector (ATG Rothschild family for much of No 2352). really so few who oppose the ivory sector (ATG No 2352). 2353). the 19th century. Offered for sale importancethe form of a lion rampart c.1630. that CITES plays in an egg lifter. If one owned a Paul Not every Victorian silver tea and coffee service One point to add to Freya by a Dutch private collector with Zeiler was made a master of was sold for scrap in the great meltdown of ban bill as presently worded? It is, an estimate of £600,000-800,000 the Augsburg guild in 1625 Storr egg boiler then one would also 2011– when at one point the price reached , it and married Euphrosina, the Simms’ letter, in the same issue, sold at the top end of expectations for almost £30 per oz. as Ms Simms wrote, a very easy £850,000. daughter of fellow goldsmith One point to add to Freya Simms’ have an egg lifter, similar to this one Unusual or particularly high-quality services where she advises those responding That doesn’t change the fact that protectingHans I Peter. It too sold wildlife and fauna. Christie’s (25/20/12% buyer’s such as that offered at petition to sign (see below). below estimate at £160,000 Great Western Auctions premium) equivalent sale, grouping (right (20%Above: buyer’s premium) to the ivory petition (see weblink, – considerably less than the ) from 1817, weighing 3oz and at eggin Glasgow lifter on fromJune 15 1817. together the best of the decorative can still sell well. €265,000 (£234,513) it 7in (7.8cm) in length. below right made in 2009. This is an example of ‘Teniers silver’. From ): the petitioners letter, in the same issue, where she the legislation is absurdly flawed in I recentlyn returned fromthe earlyBelow: 19th century, the scenes ATG reminiscent No of2352 story about a Peter Cameron the 17th century Flemish artist’s romanticised need to number 10,000 or more viewspair of taverns of and ‘outsize peasant life were tongs’ worked sold at an Adam’s Duke’s John Reckless in repoussé by manufacturers of all types of metal objects.The London silversmith to require a response from the auction for £7000 petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223254 advises those responding to the ivory every way. Zimbabwe where I connectedFarrel made a speciality of such pieces.with . Edward While good-quality but familiar Georgian silver such as entrée dishes, The 10in (26cm) tall coffee pot (pictured tureens and sauceboats estimated in the £6000-12,000 range me 1844 service, above) and the teapot in the four-piece London above, by Farrel were cast in relief with figures in medieval taverns. The resistance at Dorchester auction house t stiff cream and sugar jugs had handles modelled as drunken revellers. Estimated at £20 parade antiques on June 28, two top-quality pieces madeDuke’s their money. (25% buyer’sDealer premium) debate 3000, the 121oz service sold to a South African buyer at 00- petition (see weblink, below right): I’m afraid that the currentPaul stateBennett Best-seller was aCharles two-handled silver gilt oval tray to the well-known Brightman of the Victoria £6800. model by Digby Scott and Benjamin Smith, London 1806. ATG asked silver dealer Michael 1/12 Weighing 220z and measuring (78cm) across its lion’s heads handles, Adam’s Got an early Grayson Perry? it was chased with scrolls and urns and engraved with a coat Baggottof arms. to give his view: In Georgian The tray went to the London trade at a lower-estimate £40,000. These outsize tongs, the petitioners need to number of democracy gives equal weight Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, whoright, proved owns Equally imposing was a pair of wine coolers by Smith’s son, Benjamin the major surprise at silver there are any number of larger Adam’s (20% MADAM – Have ATG Smith III, in 1821, the year he became free of a 13-year apprenticeship buyer’s premium) readers got a Grayson in Dublin on Left: with his father. serving pieces, some readily identifiable June 17. They were marked for Philip Weekes, Dublin 1830, and were crested and Perry pot or plate from the 1980s lurking an example of The 10in (25cm) tall, 243oz coolers (one illustrated inscribed with a monogram. Work by Weekes may be less rare than thought in the Grayson Perry pottery. 10,000 or more to require a response to emotive fools as it does to those handles formed as prancinga lions,private cast floral borders andright engraved) featuredin theirwith company purpose (sugar sifters, salad contracted past, when many pieces were ascribed out to his Dublin contemporary Peter Walsh, and in their living rooms? If they have, then the armorials, the pair had detachable liners and were another London trade the trade were surprised at the interest in the 10oz tongs — either vegetable tongs or 20 | buy, going within estimate at salad servers – estimated at €400-600. “The work wasn’t particularly distinguished,” 28 July & 4 August 2018 £14,500 forks, fish slices), others that will illicit Holburne Museum in Bath wants to hear . said auctioneer Katie McGale, but their 11in (28cm) length made them a rarity and they prolonged discussion between collectors sold to an overseas collector at from them. from the government and 100,000 or whose livelihoods and historic by the government. €7000 (£6140). antiquestradegazette.com sourced the exhibits as to their exact use (we often have antiquestradegazette.com Holburne and Grayson Perry would like nothing better to do). to reunite the early works, those created in this way. It is the more to raise a parliamentary debate. collections will be affected. I had hoped to go out into the I am tired28 July & 4 Augustof 2018 hearingideal venue to take on The remarkable pair of Irish silver tongs between 1983-94, that first made his name. | 21 sold in Dublin are a prime example. Salad The resulting show will shine a light on this task, having a rich not requiring the use of fine tongs for tongs would tend to have much larger, Perry’s experimentation in ceramics and collection of historic At the time of writing this letter, If one considers that the current Bush with his armed teamservice toin polite search society. What make this about industry flatter bowls with one or both bowls with exploration of the medium’s potential. ceramics from English pair stand out was the fact that they were and French porcelain to Italian maiolica and shallow serrations to the edge. However, there’s just one problem. Many only 691 people have signed the colonial power that holds most out poachers but the timingmodelled aswas a much larger not version of the “ Chinese and Japanese ware. Egg servers of the period certainly do of the artist’s earliest works were unrecorded standard everyday pair of sugar tongs. meetings and Therebleatings is a way of checking if a work is a exist, though all the examples I have seen at the time, and throughout the decades their This is an area of silver collecting subjec genuine Grayson Perry: every single one of petition. A great many more will sway in Africa is China, it is hardly ideal. have distinctly egg shaped and sized bowls t exact whereabouts have become unknown. to an enormous growth of interest and price Perry’s ceramics has a potter’s mark. There and tend to be much shorter (6-7in long A number of works may have changed hands , rises over the last decade or so – thanks to to an audienceare 39 individual who ones he used between certainly not 11). or perhaps have been passed down to the need to sign if any sort of message surprising that elephants and However, Charles informedonline markets, the me ease of postage and the 1983-94, so the museum will be able to Unless these oversize Irish examples next generation. sheer variety of period, maker and design. quickly check if a work is authentic. were for Finn McCool to put gigantic lump haveThat is why we no are appealing understanding to your s Should two leading collectors have set Please email [email protected] is going to be conveyed. Are there rhinos are becoming ever more that elephantof sugar in his cuppa, and the explanation rhino may poaching readers to get in touch if they have one of their sights firmly on what they considered and put ‘Grayson Perry Lost Works’ in the be a little more straightforward. these early works and would be happy for it to be the only true ‘oversize’ pair that they subject line. really so few who oppose the ivory endangered. was justThe the Georgians tip had numerous of the forgotten iceberg. The ofto be consideredthe for anreality exhibition in 2020. would ever see, then the remarkably high delicacies on their table, more often than This is the first time the museum has price achieved might well be explained. Catrin Jones mounted an exhibition of this kind and ban bill as presently worded? It is, as I am tired of hearing about problems with poachers are far Holburne curator Ms Simms wrote, a very easy petition industry meetings and bleatings deeper,Obituary including – Robert the Barley poaching of population there.

to sign (see below). to an audience who have no fish andRobert wasmany born on September species 1, 1945, the thirdof of fourtrees. However, quickly bored by this, RobertShould moved on to readers require further children, Andy Jones writes. He attended Dartford Grammar Battersea. He would often wear extraordinary outfits at school where he was befriended by Mick Jagger – who become an active member of the Campaign for Nuclear understanding of the reality. Interestingly, in neighbouringDisarmament (CND). information,these Charles’ venues which would cause contact almost as much interest was so impressed by Robert’s ability to play two recorders as his stock. His absence at future events will be sorely felt simultaneously that he invited Robert to join his band! On leaving school he worked in various jobs but soon Peter Cameron Perhaps a little high-level Botswana, where poachers havedeveloped his love of buying atdetails jumble sales and bric-a-brac can beby his foundcolleagues. at vfapu.com or stalls into his means of earning a living. I remember him Above all, Robert was a kind and gentle man who was diplomacy would be more in order. sadly completely wiped out thetelling me that he started with a suitcase to carry his goods generous with his wide knowledge and his friendship. We in and £20 that he borrowed fromemail his father. [email protected] all miss him and his occasional outrageousness. Robert began trading at the Royal Standard in Andy Jones (with thanks to herds of rhino, there has beenBlackheath, an then at the Caledonian Road Market Robert’s brother John for his input) petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223254 , eventually opening his shop in Fulham High Street. He also took a Nick Silver increase of 5% in the elephantstand at Portobello Road MarketLaurence where he continued to Mitchell trade until early this year. Paul Barthaud Besides being a leading antique dealer (‘antique royalty’, according to a recent TV show), he was a fine artist, producing extraordinary surrealist sculptures from found The funeral of former Christie’s South Kensington objects, precious stones and deconstructed antiques. managing director Paul Barthaud, who died on July 24, Robert was a leading exhibitor at many of the London will be held at Sutton Road Crematorium, Southend-on- Sea, on Wednesday, August 8, at 2pm. fairs and was on the vetting committee at Olympia and chelseafuneraldirectors.co.uk antiquestradegazette.com

11 August 2018 who will keep them safe for at least at 1688 as we go to press], that a | 39 one more generation. response from the government We must record the This way I hope we can become requires 10,000 signatures, and the first port of call for any member that 100,000 are needed to raise a of the public with antique ivory that parliamentary debate. ivory items at risk they no longer wish to own. Just four weeks before the House 3. I have grave concerns over the of Lords’ committee stage of the MADAM – A friend in the trade proposed exemption for antique proposed bill to ban ivory, BADA asked me over a year ago, ‘what will ivory items of “outstanding artistic, Council members Alastair Gibson you do if antiques containing ivory We must make a cultural or historic value”. In and Laura Bordignon have published are made illegal?’. Since then I’ve record, or the best evidence given to the Ivory Bill an open letter, urging people to sign given it serious thought. What can “ Committee, it was estimated that the petition (ATG No 2354). any of us do? record that we can, no more than 100 such exemptions Too little, too late. The petition Despite the best efforts of the of the destruction would need to be granted annually asks that the de minimis rule is raised trade, I fear a law that bans the sale this new bill will in the UK. To that end, I would ask from 10% to 50% of ivory. But 50% of of most antique ivory will soon be cause anyone who applies for an exemption what exactly? Area? Weight? Can the with us. We must make a record, or to forward images and details of the ivory be separated from the object? Is the best record that we can, of the object and the grounds on which the 50% acceptable but 51% illegal? Quite destruction this new bill will cause. exemption was granted or refused. unnecessarily complicated. I would like to ask all the members asked to remove ivory elements from I sincerely believe all the The solution is simple and of the antiques trade – auctioneers, an object, please do the same. information, or as much as we can straightforward. Only ivory at least dealers, restorers and, in particular, 2. The only alternatives for members compile, will be vital going forward 100 years old, with a certificate of bullion traders who deal with scrap of the public discarding unwanted and possibly the key to overturning authenticity, can be sold. Trade in silver and gold – for their help in antique ivory are currently wildlife this bad law in the future. any and all other ivory is illegal. three key areas: charity-organised ‘surrender days’ This sensible amendment to the 1. If you see any antique objects which pledge to destroy every item Michael Baggott ivory bill – which should have been which have been mutilated by the irrespective of its age, and that is [email protected] proposed originally – is the only removal of their ivory components or simply not acceptable. workable strategy worth formulating. will be discarded because they can no May I ask instead that dealers and If the powers-that-be put me in longer be sold, please take an image auctioneers take these items (not for Ivory solution is simple one touch with the right people, I am of the item and its details and forward sale). I will pledge to store them until MADAM – Peter Cameron writes prepared to present the case myself. them to the dedicated email address a museum will take them for display in ATG No 2353 that only 691 people below right. If, as a restorer, you are or they can be given to a collector have signed the ivory petition [now Gavin Littaur, London antiquestradegazette.com ATG IVORY COVERAGE | 15 PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

Ivory ban: reasons to sign our petition An open letter to collectors, the trade and MPs

Dear colleagues, collectors and members of the wider antiques community The government’s proposed ivory bill will affect hundreds of thousands of people, from all walks of life, up and down the country. Legally acquired antique cultural, social and religious objects will be made illegal to sell, removing all value from them. There is an exemption for portrait miniatures, but with an unreasonable size restriction. Pre-1975 musical instruments are limited to a de minimis rule of 20% while pre-1918 antiques are restricted to 10%. This means if your antique object is pre-1918, it is not guaranteed you will be granted a licence to sell it, as it has to be judged of ‘outstanding artistic and historic value’ or must comply with the 10% de minimis rule. Huge variety of objects included in ban The number of objects affected by the proposed bill is huge, including: antique cutlery, Victorian teapots, Christian and other devotional objects, Anglo-Indian furniture from Vizagapatam, Japanese Shibayama, Chi- nese export fans and associated works of art. So if you own a Ferdinand Preiss bronze, such as The Archer, you will not be able to sell this fantastic sculpture even though it was legally bought. Anyone selling a family heirloom or looking to raise funds by selling a collection of antiques can now find themselves unwittingly open to criminal charges and fines of up to £250,000. These antiques have no link to today’s poaching crisis. They are diverse and culturally important objects, re- flecting Britain’s historic trade and its modern relationship with the world as a centre of the art and antiques trade. Therefore, we ask you to sign this petition before it is too late to do anything about widening the exemptions, and in particular extending the de minimis rule to 50%. The link to the petition is printed below this letter. Your details will not be published and signing is open to any individual with a UK postcode and an email ad- dress. A call to collectors If everyone reading this asked 10 people to sign, we would have a chance to combat the bill. As the hardest hurt by the proposed legislation are collectors, please can dealers and auctioneers send an email to clients who have purchased ivory or ivory inlaid items from you in the past. It is our obligation to inform them of how they may be affected and that it is in their best interests to engage, or at least be informed of this op- tion to do something positive. Our last chance is to hope the House of Lords will see reason and grant us further exemptions on the 10th of September at their committee stage of the bill. We all acknowledge support for the government’s noble aim to stop poaching in Africa and protect the elephant, but this can be achieved while also protecting our rich cultural heritage. Thank you. Alastair Gibson MRICS Laura Bordignon Gibson Antiques Laura Bordignon Japanese Works of Art Council member for BADA Council member for BADA

Sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223254/ News and Letters First published, 1 - 15 September 2018, ATG Nos 2356 - 2358

Ivory removed from Chippendale before sale

by Roland Arkell Left: The Rowland Winn commode offered by Christie’s in July with an estimate of £3m-5m. The addition of the ivory letters to the interior, made soon after the initial commission Ivory elements of an important in 1766, is detailed in a Chippendale invoice to Rowland Winn piece of Chippendale furniture dated February 14, 1769, which mentions “To a neat Nest of were removed prior to its Mahogany drawers and pidgeon [sic] wood appearance at auction earlier holes with an ivory Alphabet made to fit this year, ATG has learned. into a Cupboard.” The neoclassical commode, made for the London residence of Sir Rowland Winn (1739-85) c.1766, was exported from the The catalogue US to London, to be offered for noted that the sale at Christie’s with an esti- “ mate of £3m-5m. alphabet is It is understood that inlaid now ‘ivorine’ ivory letters were recently removed in the US and replaced with ivorine, the faux noted that the alphabet is now request in 1769 (see caption its ivory elements, it would not Before the sale, and its first ivory celluloid invented in ivorine.” above right) – was an array of have been possible to bring it appearance in public for 27 1899. The commode was then 20 interior pigeon holes inlaid back to the US in the event the years as part of the anniver- included in the Thomas Chip- Record-breaking piece with ivory letters from A-Z. commode failed to sell or sary auction, Christie’s pendale: 300 Years sale on The Rowland Winn commode, When the commode was last attracted interest from US bid- international deputy chair- July 5. at one time the most expensive sold by Christie’s in December ders. The commode did not man Charles Cator said: “The Asked by ATG to comment, piece of English furniture ever 1991 as part of the Messer col- find a buyer in July. colour, the patination, the fig- a Christie’s spokesperson con- to appear at auction, is primar- lection, for £935,000, the uring of the timber, which is firmed that “the sellers of this ily made in mahogany and letters were catalogued as Neoclassicism one of the great glories of this commode decided to have the Indian ebony. ivory. The piece has been hailed commode, is all something ivory replaced with ivorine However, an unusual While under a 2014 US law, as a masterpiece marking which is very, very special to ahead of the sale to enable ease element – added by the Chip- it may have been legal to export Chippendale’s full arrival at Chippendale.” of movement. The catalogue pendale workshop as a special the commode from the US with neoclassicism in the mid-1760s. n See Letters, below

Write to editor Noelle McElhatton at: Letters to the editor [email protected]

Hall has complete Crane set We must record the ATG No 2354, below left) on MADAM – I write regarding your Pick of the Week article ( the Walter Crane vase (1890) for Maw & Co, sold at the Kingham & Orme auction in ivory items at risk July. You reference the Walter Crane collection at Rode Hall in Cheshire (where Crane often stayed as a youngLeft: man). Michael Readers may wish to know that this is the only recorded complete set of vases available on ions of news stories are irrespective of its age, and that is Longer vers questradegazette.com MADAM – A friend in the trade designed by Walter Crane foranti Maw & Co – which simply not acceptable. took me about 30 years to assemble – and is on News Digest ibrarian Priore ore this Carnegie l ng the owner rest d last month with Bid barometer asked me over a year ago, ‘what will helpi ts were charge om Petition: House of nuscript to i cted from thesaleroom.c important ma multiple o ffences conne .” rightful home with the theft. May I ask instead that dealers f missing items n A list o public view arianat the hall with other examples of Antiqu elling lots Items with compiled by the Top s tion can EU cultural import Booksellers’ Associa you do if antiques containing ivory Pick of the Week /2AzEP3y. August 7 lay online law change de be seen at atg.news William George, Maw erpetual calendar limited on’s plan to Rose gold IWC p them wanting The European Uni s wristwatch, number and auctioneers take these items aws on the edition Kurt Klau Crane leaves to introCrane’sduce n ew l workck (see website0, with box and papers. below). tions s, due tie's hits ba 500 of 50 re ware, giving the sec of cultural goo d Chris vases for lust it the import In Numbers Estimate: n/a w & Co of painting on the biscu Baggott’sted on this summer, has at Leonardo claim plea are made illegal?’. Since then I’ve ire pottery, Ma the thrower and to be vo Hammer: £21,000 The Shropsh mass ied on duplicate til September. jected the known for the s, which were cop been delayed un Christie’s has re Jackfield, is best design uropean Com- ord ac- enware tiles and ." In July, the E ew expressed by Oxf 8 production of earth vases in lustre ies is announced vi drus PFK, Penrith, August (not for sale). I will pledge to store of the ser mission in Brussels ic Dr Matthew Lan an . est-known adem ori hitectural ceramics Among the b a ce new regula - ould The Morris Chair, a Vict arc s making el modelled as it will intr odu vator Mundi sh 1.1% by y the 1880s wa (25cm) wide vess ltural that Sal sed walnut armchair For a firm that b s by the 10in d a fish tail ports of cu to Bernardino eboni a series of vase row an tions on im be attributed eduction in Sotheby’s given it serious thought. What can lion tiles per year, galley with a swan-head p ey y are designed to ’s as- The r Morris & Co. 20 mil ) rom the Odyss property. The Leonardo argin across er Crane (1845-1915 and scenes f cul- Luini, one of commission m mate: £600-800 afts guru Walt stern. Dolphins mports to the EU of than the mas- sed Esti Arts & Cr ure. while to the base stop i sistants, rather cau 00 omething of a depart ted to the sides, illicitly exported the first half of 2018 Hammer: £76 represented s are pain a bird that tural goods himself. s on just two them until a museum will take tile patterns her including of origin. ter Dr by shortfall cyp ntry e, who had designed is Crane’s large fromRichard their cou a DennisGuardian articl One Crane, 4, was at In guaranteed paintings. l Works from 187 surname. old for £8500 milarities be- for Maw’s Benthal plays on his lter Crane vase for Maw & Co s Landus said si lots was Amedeo e seven vases c.1889. offered by art pottery Above: Wa di a nd of the any of us do? to creat The example on e. tween Salvator Mun i’s Nu couché (sur le commissioned escent am Kingham & Orm Modiglian distinctive irid rme in Evesh eft' by L uini point sold decorated with the specialist Kingham & O rane cypher on the base. US 'library th known works uche), above, that Each for n. Entered for left: detail of the C the work côté ga been developed in perfect conditio Below d he majo rity of New York in May ruby glaze that had y July 28 was ed over case postpone to t r, for $139m in them for display or they can be ing, together the te collection, it tipp painted by the latte ‘in excess

tile paint sale from a priva f Richardthe cas e being Dennisof against an estimatePublicationsBamfords, Derby, August 1 ne's g £8500 (plus rest) at Lawrences o ween 5-20% auction demonstrate Cra 000-8000 to brin med the ra The hearing in with only bet 50m’ – the highest beth nautical clock e hopes of £6 robably vase (dee and Jo hn ardo. of $1 Doulton Lam in a wide rang collector, p of Greg Priore painting by Leon ’s history. The Tinworth and Despite the best efforts of the interest remium) from a UK Bletchingley at £7600. at n accused the he price in Sotheby modelled by George rms 20% p tory still stands lman, two me s said tha t t e de of historical fo r this form. ord for the fac Schu Christie’ other was Buste de femm ed by Hannah Barlow, an auction high fo ay of The rec ½in (31cm) e US library theft, us” of schol- ablo decorat ecoration, from complete arr 000 bid for a 12 of a massiv “broad con sens rivant) by P h, dated 1878. and d collectors own the the staggering £42, stponed until Salvator profil (femme éc 9in (23cm) hig quity to Few the seven aw Fine Art sold has been po opinion that nocked down given to a collector who will keep classical anti o vases, although vase when L arly s- Picasso that was k Estimate: £1000-1500 s Maw & C e. high Mermaids 2. rodehall.co.ukwork fully a n Crane’ ir s a n auctio c world. Hall in Chesh ection in 2005. October 1 eek Mundi wa at £24m at a Londo : £8500 h coll w ammer the Islami en together at Rode the Andrew Keit ell ed las t rema ins shed H nal, can be se with the Roland Ark As report cribed to Leonardo ne. It had an unpubli In the Art Jour completed in 2006 53), hundreds of in Ju trade, I fear a law that bans the sale The set was ns (ATG No 23 unchanged. to be in Four Seaso va l- estimate believed 1898, he recalled: quare-handled oks an d prints n told ATG: purchase of a s stolen bo A spokesma of £30m. er estimate a set of ons of dollars that excess Highest price ov “I designed ued at milli he attribution to Leonardo the Carnegie “T t 10 them safe for at least one more were taken from tablished almos for ivorymain was es items Pittsburgh re sale by a pa nel nsted Library of years prior to Sworders, Sta lection of African international s, and wa s gust 8 display a col at l arge in the of a dozen scholar Mountfitchet, Au of most antique ivory will soon be eces that were dis- he hite the ulpture. Pi rket. the time of t blue and w n was taken to sc sale ma own reconfirmed at A Chinese the the collectio are for a we ll-kn nlong Left: room relics s played in this Schulman, uction in 2017.” porcelain jar with Qia Sumerian museum for analysis earlier thi ing and a were at Christie’s. They are mak Pittsburgh dealer, and a late 19th generation. Iraq and the o bjects the seal mark go back to year, ance on ancient their fir st appear century kutani bowl. ed with th e site of re ntiquities link - t since they we : £50-80 ght Su merian a rn Tello) in south marke Estimate Ei Girsu (mode oclet in the early 0 with us. We must make a record, or by the Metro politan acquired by St for Lalique mascots Hammer: £350 seized ern Iraq. st read century, ndon dealer in d the Mo decades o f the 20th complete Police from a Lo Inscri ptions linke ent within Saleroom revved up turned to Iraq passing down by desc 2003 are to be re the Eninnu temple ed-on stories mascots' This way I hope we can become Brit- cones to The most click ly. xtensive collection of René Lalique ' Watlington, cation by the s the fami An e ote a Jones & Jacob, after identifi ex, and with other item August 1-8 on ler who wr compl for week headrest from the amassed by a collector and dea East ire, August 8 ish Museum. objects known from azette.com Above: Yaka at auction in Oxfordsh of small identical to antiquestradeg ic of Congo book on the subject is coming up entury boullework The a ssemblage own excavations Democratic Republ Nineteenth c the best record that we can, of the the museum’s ipt 00- ox, ht €300,0 . b t Nasr period objects – a ieval bible boug amic manuscr which is estimated at Sussex ffering singing bird musical Jemde at the same site. 1 Med Isl . r 6, Gorringe's of Lewes is o set of vases to ris Septembe pendant, a gypsum to return gypt 000 at Christie's Pa On 70 lots in a 4in (10cm) wide, damages. marble bull at auction returns to E 500, ollection, involving stamp seals, an Cathedral The GG Weiner C e: £80-120 the first port of call for any member mace head, two Canterbury ript con- Estimat nd three clay ars away Islamic manusc single-owner sale. : £3100 inscribed pebble a after 500 ye A rare in ner, author of Hammer script nhams auction spotted the owner is Geoffrey G Wei ng cuneiform Celebrated tribal signed to a Bo archives reportedly That umulated the cones beari kers: urned to sale Mascots, who has acc destruction this new bill will cause. 5 years in the ction 2 Movers and sha London has been ret uscript online in a Unique Lalique up for au man – has spent 1 r art t arts est example of tact- the turn of the century. British state afte s from the the lates Egypt in the lat ng place in April. Con group since also desk t 7 designed s of the tem ed- taki ents but , Stockport, Augus hand On October 30 i ques orities succe ypt’s vers car (hood) ornam Capes Dunn (who has now ceased ribal a rt and anti Egyptian auth nhams thro ugh Eg It co ghts, trophies nri the dealer ebrated Stoclet t ts rom ing Bo ary ssociated paperwei ed and engraved He of the public with antique ivory that oof cel at appointmen in retrieving artefacts f , the libr ornaments and a to Gold plat d to supply pr red ing iod , in trading) faile ction are to be offe embassy in London ter-war Art Deco per , Paris tenor saxophone colle ow documents to d bookends, of the in Selmer ership. tie’s in Paris. ruce and abroad. - was able to sh an er with a Selmer of own e, auction by Chris 3 Fiona B pt titled Sum - iscontinued) pieces. fitted case togeth police storag 871-1949) reunited The manuscri e it was the same manu modern (d is father I would like to ask all the members After years in e Stoclet (1 Philip Mould history by prov t as a dealer with h net. Adolph he science of ously been ner started ou clari as a banker, eries of mary of t script that had previ Wei ving to made his fortune to film latest s laiman n-Thames before mo Estimate: £200-300 by Walter e r atMoham med bin Su ssessio n. riskin Kingston-upo ey from Fake o ia th t by René heading the S ociété Général art show i, kn own as in its po dor, centrating on militar m/Horse glass masco Hammer: £4200 lowed Masood Al Kafij th the ven Brighton. After con obilia, Above: Epso stimated at they no longer wish to own. which al Fortune? as for- After talks wi autom , 1929, e de Belgique, afiji, w o ensure ue, introduced on June 5 sion for Mohiuddin Al K red t traded in classic car memorabilia and the Laliq September 6. dulge a pas a deal was secu cots into rringe’s on st 1-8 2018. him to i n n of the e alique car mas 0,000 at Go oom.com for Augu ivory already n e item to th £20,000-3 ales on thesaler Gibso rly in the collectio turn of th incorporating L shot of s ices as a sic. 4 John me the safe re d Barometer is a snap hest hammer pr Source: Bi from the top 10 hig fine art and mu ure ional Library and selection of items acotta sculpt tian Nat y. inventory. ique r estimate’ = Our esaleroom.com of the antiques trade – auctioneers, is well terr Egyp brar e able ‘Highe st price ove bidders on th his name Cairo li ys, they wer the exclusive Lal paid by internet ernet Today use eared in ner sa f to show off the high estimate er prices paid by int es from ho but disapp ould not In early 2000, Wei a glass roo multiple of 0 highest hamm to- emerg Archives onhams w items from the top 1 Crane for ks to the Palais S While B land and a ‘tatty’ = Our selection of known than or th ural light." ‘Top selling lots’ how the vend mascots in nat ire leroom.com ome created clearance the 1970s. er to buy a freehold house wi n to knock it Tom Derbysh bidders on thesa let, the Brussels h 14th cen - reveal eith el planning permissio | 9 3. I have grave concerns over the c Dating from the it or at what lev garage, “getting 18 August 2018 by the ired y with between 1905-11 of an era in Irish an had acqu - galler for him te 5 End t is considered stimated, a spokes down and re-build a purpose-built Wer kstät eering as tury, i y in it had been e famous Wiener auction nt and early stud s was mann. It is rt importa man said: “Bonham dealers, restorers and, in particular, designer Josef Hoff Mealy’s Fine A y. nce in or ista of the eight items mily. historical the d to be of ass ette.com Above: one still owned by the fa closes its doors ary and delighte antiquestradegaz Maw & Co lay onal libr o Iraq, a Sumerian c ed a spe- The nati tte.com returning t The palace includ antiquestradegaze proposed exemption for antique cone from the Eninnu temple on Africain reserved to cial Sal complex at Girsu. 18 Lords may see sense 8 | 18 August 20 bullion traders who deal with scrap ivory items of “outstanding artistic, on display silver and gold – for their help in cultural or historic value”. In the ivory banat Rode three key areas: evidence given to the Ivory Bill Hall. 1. If you see any antique objects Committee, it was estimated that which have been mutilated by the no more than 100 such exemptions removal of their ivory components or would need to be granted annually will be discarded because they can no in the UK. To that end, I would ask to be properly longer be sold, please take an image anyone who applies for an exemption of the item and its details and forward threatened to forward images and details of the them to the dedicated email address object and the grounds on which the below right. If, as a restorer, you are exemption was granted or refused. unnecessarily complicated. MADAM – ATG letter correspondents Was it worth my time organising this asked to remove ivory elements from requires 10,000recorded. signatures, and I sincerely believe all the The solution is simple and an object, please do the same. that 100,000 are needed to raise a information, or as much as we can straightforward. Only ivory at least 2. The only alternatives for members parliamentary debate. compile, will be vital going forward 100 years old, with a certificate of of the public discarding unwanted Just four weeks before the House and possibly the key to overturning authenticity, can be sold. Trade in antique ivory are currently wildlife of Lords’ committee stage of the this bad law in the future. any and all other ivory is illegal. Peter Cameron and Gavin Littaur (ATG petition? Who knows, but if readers charity-organised ‘surrender days’ proposed bill to ban ivory, BADA This sensible amendment to the which pledge to destroy every item Council members Alastair Gibson Michael Baggott ivory bill – which should have been and Laura Bordignon have published [email protected] proposed originally – is the only an open letter, urging people to sign workable strategy worth formulating. the petition (ATG No 2354). Nos 2353, 2355) have hit the nail on the could put fingers to keyboard and type MADAM – In his letter (ATG No 2355) If the powers-that-be put me in Too little, too late. The petition Ivory solution is simple one d touch with the right people, I am asks that the de minimis rule is raise We must make a MADAM – Peter Cameron writes prepared to present the case myself. from 10% to 50% of ivory. But 50% of in ATG No 2353 that only 691 people record, or the best what exactly? Area? Weight? Can the “record that we can, of have signed the ivory petition [now Gavin Littaur head in many ways. in ‘ivory bill petition’, or use the link in Michael Baggott references the possibility ivory be separated from the object? Is at 1688 as we go to press], that a London the destruction this 50% acceptable but 51% illegal? Quite response from the government that, following changes in the law, antiques new bill will cause fabulous cabinet were Mr Littaur’s argument that our peti- our ad on page 6, and then urge clients Obituary – Craig McGivern (1971-2018) A tough negotiator, he was once The gazebo was lined with panels of Craig was in the trade for nearly 30 years. accused of having an asinine way of colourful Egyptian printed cotton which He was an expert on jewellery and had a doing business. Unfortunately, Craig had tion to raise the de minimis in the ivory and contacts to do the same, it might could be mutilated because of their ivory accentuated withhad been acquired beautiful from the Street of ivory letters passion for natural history and all manner rather taken against this chap who had the Tentmakers in Cairo. He had spent of curiosities. Dealers and auctioneers the temerity to make a less than generous many hours cutting it and sewing it back would often ask for advice when faced offer for an object on the stall. He had together so that it fitted perfectly. with a mystery object and he had an then refused to sell it to him even though After the frenetic buying and selling ban bill from 10% to 50% is “too little make a difference. content. inlaiduncanny into ability to come up thewith the wood. Christie’sthe chap had backed off and agreedcatalogue to had died down, dealer friends would turn answer. pay the full asking price. up and Craig would put the stove on. He was for many years a regular It took the intervention of the chap’s Having ground up the coffee beans by exhibitor (alongside myself, his partner) wife to smooth things over and effect the hand in an antique Turkish coffee grinder, at Newark, Ardingly, Ally Pally and Vincent purchase. This has already happened at the describes the lettershe would serve up coffee in 18th as century ivorine (celluloid). and too late” has been the story of the At the time of going to press, the peti- Square. The antiques trade is full of wonderful Chinese cups. Latterly, Kempton became his sole characters and Craig is one who will be A happy hour or so would go by with selling venue and he could be found under sorely missed. people showing off their purchases or his gazebo which was always erected on Jonathan Eade bemoaning the one that got away! the pitch, rain or shine. highest level in America to a piece made I understand that the original ivory letters | 47 campaign by trade associations who tion stands at 2006 signatures, which is 25 August 2018

antiquestradegazette.com told us the gentle approach in lobbying greater than the average petition makes. by Chippendale himself of importance to were recently removed in the US so that 17/08/2018 12:11:05 PAGE 047 2355.indd 1 Defra was the right one to take. The petition will run for six months, our national heritage (see News, page 4). the commode could be offered in London. ATG letter writer Nick Silver also by which time the bill will be passed This piece is the Sir Rowland Winn One wonders whether this desecration refers to a need for ‘high-level diplo- with or without amendments. My focus commode offered at Christie’s Thomas leaving the commode in less than the macy’ (ATG No 2354), but this is to get the message understood by the Chippendale: 300 Years sale with an perfect condition in which it was made approach, I believe, has failed. House of Lords whose committee stage estimate of £3m-5m. contributed to its failure to realise the When it was clear that the House of takes place on September 10. They Interior pigeon holes within this expected price. Commons would not see sense and con- might see sense and widen the Let’s hope the original letters have sider reasonable amendments to the exemptions. been saved for replacement in their old ivory bill, was when dealers directly If they do, great, and if they don’t, at positions at some time in the future when affected by the proposed ban chose to the very least I and a few others have more common sense prevails. publicise our fight to a wider audience. tried to do something for the greater Antiques being How can we compete against the benefit of the British art and antiques Youhmutilated gh gh has ghg already hg hgh Thomas EF Sainsbury well-oiled lobbying machines of the industry. “ghhappened ghg h gh at ghghg the highest hgh President, Jonathan Sainsbury furniture wildlife charities and NGOs? Well, we (dealer, now retired) “ghglevel h in gh America gh ga do not have the financial clout to do so Alastair Gibson MRICS and mount national campaigns. Gibson Antiques 16 | ATG IVORY COVERAGE First published, 1 - 15 September 2018, ATG Nos 2356 - 2358 News and Letters

Chippendale ivory removal is ‘unforgivable’

MADAM – Your news story (‘Ivory art made of or containing ivory and removed from Chippendale before owned or acquired in good faith. ATG’s Chippendale news On Instagram sale’, ATG No 2356) draws attention It should by now be recognised robertyoungantiques wrote: Thank you so to the deliberate and unforgivable that the ivory bill will pass into law, story: media reaction much, ATG, for drawing further attention to removal of original ivory elements and we should continue to applaud its Our story last week revealed that ivory this irresponsible madness. The proposed from an important commode by purpose in eradicating poaching of elements of an important piece of law is a fool and must be exposed as such. Thomas Chippendale, England’s the endangered elephant. Chippendale furniture, the Rowland Winn most famous cabinet What cannot be commode made c.1766, were removed paul jeromack: This is pure vandalism under maker. accepted is a correlation for its appearance at a Christie’s auction the guise of animal conservation. I love What does this act of between the illicit trade earlier this year, the commode having elephants and want the current ivory trade desecration bode for the and the market for bona been imported from the US. quashed, but this destruction helps no future? fide, pre-1947 works of Reaction to the story on mainstream one – and certainly doesn’t stop elephant But first, in the art: the evidence does media was strong, as this selection slaughter. light of the ivory bill not exist. compiled by Noelle McElhatton shows: currently passing As discussions kitstocker1: Sheer and utter madness. If we through parliament, it is Martin Levy continue, it is to be On radio despair at the destruction of heritage sites important to recognise hoped that common On BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show, 30 in the Middle East, yet allow works of art to that the proposed sense will be brought August, the show’s host asked: should a be dismembered here, how are we the better legislation would not necessitate such to bear on those officials charged 200-year-old piece of furniture be stripped for it? Christie’s would have been smarter to vandalism. with constructing workable and of its ivory? have refused to accept it for auction. It was because of restrictions equitable regulations for the bill’s imposed in the United States that administration. Max Rutherston, dealer, said: “This On Twitter the ivory was ill-advisedly removed. Parliament must, in its publicly- incident … was entirely unnecessary. With @FabScarborough: Apart from being an American private collectors and supported zeal to protect the a piece as important as the Chippendale act of unbelievably crass vandalism, a museums are, regrettably, the elephant, also ensure the preservation cabinet, nobody should be removing inlays masterpiece of English furniture making has helpless victims of President Obama’s of our cultural heritage for future in any material. The cabinet made a record now been physically diminished. Has the ill-thought out Director’s Order 210 generations, irrespective of rarity price in 1991 but is seriously devalued work the owner undertook to make the piece (2014), intended to deter the trade in or value. today.” more commercial internationally had the ivory and ban all imports. opposite effect? Martin P Levy, FSA James Lewis, Bamfords Auctioneers ‘Timely warning’ H Blairman & Sons, London and Born Free Foundation trustee, said: @Timothy_Garland: Replacing the ivory for And yet, as members of parliament “I’d like to see the de minimis in the draft plastic has not stopped any elephant from continue to consider the UK’s own News ivory bill raised from 10% to 20%. being killed since the original auction. bill, perhaps the American example One big risk is the potential for News that led to this wanton damage to a Ivory removed from Chippendale before sale ivory pieces that add up to 15% @baggottsilver: Old thin ivory veneers are

by Roland Arkell Left: The Rowland Winn commode offered by Christie’ great work of art is a timely warning. s in of a bronze figure, for example, to unbelievably fragile. I can’t imagine there July with an estimate of £3m-5m. The addition of the ivory Ivory elements of an important letters to the interior, made soon after the initial commission piece of Chippendale furniture in 1766, is detailed in a Chippendale invoic e to Rowland Winn were removed prior to its dated February 14, 1769, which mentions “ To a neat Nest be removed and copied in modern wasn’t damage caused in removing them, The de minimis exemptions appearance at auction earlier of Mahogany drawers and pidgeon [sic] wood this year, ATG has learned. holes with an ivory Alphabet made to fi The neoclassical commode, t into a Cupboard.” proposed would, of course, allow for made for the London residence poached hippo ivory. The argument also to the surrounding surface of the wood. of Sir Rowland Winn (1739-85) c.1766, was exported from the US to London, to be offered for works of art such as the now-altered sale at Christie’s with an esti - that there is no link between This is another pitfall. ‘Replacing’ antique mate of £3m-5m. The catalogue noted It is understood that inlaid ivory letters were recently that“ the alphabet is commode to pass freely through the removed in the US and now ‘ivorine’ modern poaching and antique ivory ivory with a substitute material can rarely be replaced with ivorine, the faux noted that the alphabet is now ivory celluloid invented in request in 1769 (see caption ivorine.” its ivory elements, it would not Before the sale, and its first 1899. The commode was then above right ) – was an array of have been possible to bring it appearance in public for 27 market in its original state. included in the Thomas Chip Record-breaking piece 20 interior pigeon holes inlaid back to the US in the event the is wrong. But the environmental done without causing damage. - years as part of the anniver pendale: 300 Years sale on with ivory letters from A-Z. - The Rowland Winn commode, commode failed to sell or sary auction, Christie’s July 5. When the commode was last at one time the most expensive attracted interest from US bid - international deputy chair Asked by ATG sold by Christie’s in December - to comment, piece of English furniture ever ders. The commode did not man Charles Cator said: “The What is of far greater concern is a Christie’s spokesperson con 1991 as part of the Messer col - argument to ‘ban it all’ is also - to appear at auction, is primar find a buyer in July. colour, the patination, the fig firmed that “the sellers of this - lection, for £935,000, the - ily made in mahogany and uring of the timber, which commode decided to have the letters were catalogued as Neoclassicism is Indian ebony. one of the great glories of this ivory replaced with ivorine ivory. The piece has been hailed However, an unusual commode, is all something wrong.” @Marc_Allum: Stumped for words. the fate of the many thousands of ahead of the sale to enable ease While under a 2014 US law, element – added by the Chip as a masterpiece marking which is very, very special to of movement. The catalogue - it may have been legal to export pendale workshop as a special Chippendale’s full arrival at Chippendale.” the commode from the US with neoclassicism in the mid-1760s. less stellar, but bona fide works of n See Letters, page 71. Antique guns are not a legal loophole, say trade associations

by Laura Chesters Left: an controls in the world. It should Trade associations have obsolete He was making ammunition be ensured that existing laws for ‘antique’ weapons. defended the current firearms calibre revolver, are implemented and enforced laws in the UK amid accusa featured as NABIS argues that antique - rather than needing a new law.” guns on the obsolete calibre list tions on a BBC part of the Panorama He added: “The trade could (where ammunition is no longer programme of a ‘loophole’ in BBC’s Panorama be more engaged, be vigilant manufactured) should be gun control. programme. and should report their suspi- restricted as they are being The programme argued the cions. But we are acting to bought by criminals. NABIS Policing and Crime Act (2017) protect the trade and are lobby- wants five types of calibre allows criminals to buy ‘obso - ing against law changes.” antique revolvers removed from lete’ calibre antique guns and We should support ivorythe list. petition, not dismiss it Curio exemptions bring them back into use with programme and told the manufacture of new ATG: recently spotlighted by The Home Office is plan - “The law as it stands is very Obsolete calibre guns kept as ning changes to the Policing ammunition. National Ballistics Intelligence robust. Any change in the law an ‘ornament or curio’ are and Crime Act this autumn. It Ian Barclay, acting chairman Service (NABIS) have fallen. will only effect genuine collec exempt from firearm laws. will “enshrine in law a new at the Vintage Arms Associa - Simon West, director of the - tors, not criminals.” Panorama cited Gloucester - definition of antique firearms, tion, complained to the BBC Gun Trade Association, con - shire dealer Paul Edmunds, 66, MADAM – I read the letter from far, very effectivelyHe said values for the lobbied for ensuring older weaponsmuseum that curators who have sufficient about elements of the curred. He told ATG: “We have who was sentenced to 30 years type of antique revolvers some of the strictest gun could still pose a danger to the Gavin Littaur (ATG No 2355, August this law. in prison last year. public are licensed”.courage to oppose this bill, have been MADAM – Michael Baggott asks what we 25) and the letter of the previous Lord Gardiner of Kimble, in his too slow to mobilise. can all do with our ivory antiques when they edition from Nick Silver (ATG no speech introducing the ivory bill to That simply makes it is essential become illegal to sell (ATG No 2355). 4 | 1 September 2018 While I love elephants and abhor most of 2354, August 18) with more than a the House of Lords, referred to “over antiquestradegazette.comthat the antiques community wakes antiquestradegazette.com little puzzlement. 70,000 responses” to Defra’s up now and takes practical steps to our XXsimple xxxxxxxxx 2018 | XX politicians, the answer is simple. It may be that the ivory bill consultation paper, “of which the refute the arguments that have been I intend leaving my ivory to my great, great- petition started by Alastair Gibson is overwhelming majority – some 88% made by those who know little and grandchildren. ‘too little too late’, but I am full of – favoured an ivory ban”. care less for the extraordinary objects By the time they are old enough to admiration for him, and for Laura Those numbers have been which have been made from ivory appreciate them, and appreciate them they Bordignon, for starting it. challenged in previous letters to ATG. and which form a part of the cultural will, this imbecilic law can be repealed and I am equally sure that, if only they As one of those who responded to the heritage of this country. we can start trading again in fine cultural were made aware of the consequences consultation, I found it difficult to There is something real that can be objects made from that most wonderful of of the proposed act, a very large answer because the questions achieved right now and that is to sign materials. number of people would support the themselves appeared to assume the the petition and to inform others intent of the petition. need for a change in the law. about it so that they too can sign. It Maurice Asprey We must continue to challenge the It is clear that the antiques only takes a moment. Via email fallacious arguments being community, including dealers, propounded by those who have, so auctioneers, collectors and those Peter Cameron, Via email antiquestradegazette.com ATG IVORY COVERAGE | 17