“We are clearly disappointed to discover that, without exception, every single ‘antique’ pre-1900 distilled whisky RW101 have had analysed over the last two years has proven to be fake. It is our genuine belief that every purported pre-1900 - and in many cases much later - bottle should be assumed fake until proven genuine, certainly if the bottle claims to be a single malt Scotch whisky.”
David Robertson, co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, who teamed up with geochemistry experts at Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) to undertake the study on vintage scotch whiskies.
“Time is required to make sure the ban can be implemented effectively and robustly. Secondary legislation is required to do this, an online registration system needs to be developed and guidance to be issued. It is critical that all of these elements are in place before the ban can be put into effect.”
A spokesman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the timing of the enforcement of the new Ivory Act 2018 which will come into law in late 2019.
“With many exceptional items increasing dramatically in value in recent years, it is right that we strengthen this process. These plans would protect museums that fundraise in good faith and help to keep national treasures in the UK where they can be seen and enjoyed by the public.”
Michael Ellis, minister for arts, heritage and tourism, on the proposals to strengthen the law relating to the export of national treasures.
“We’ve met so many interesting people from aristocrats and very wealthy people to not so wealthy people and everyone has been great.”
George Kidner reminisces about his time in auctioneering as he retires and closes his auction house in Hampshire.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Winfarthing Pendant has been named as Britain’s favourite work of art, especially so given the quality of this year’s shortlist which contained some truly remarkable works.”
Dr Tim Pestell, senior curator of archaeology at Norfolk Museums Service on the news that a rare Anglo-Saxon pendant found in Norfolk by a metal detectorist was voted Britain’s favourite work of art bought by a museum in the Art Fund poll.
