Law, crime and regulation

MADAM – Re: the British Art Market Federation (BAMF) proposal for exempting ‘museum-quality ivory’ from any ban (ATG No 2324), where does that leave us?

MADAM – This week I listened in utter disbelief as actress and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna spoke on Radio 4’s Today programme calling for the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow to no longer show any items which contain ivory elements.

MADAM – It is not clear from all the correspondence and articles in ATG as to whether the ivory ban will be limited to elephant and marine ivory and, if so, leaving one free to trade in items made from mammoth, warthog and hippo ivory.

Cyber security is among the biggest concerns for dealers and auctioneers, according to the latest ATG survey.

The British Art Market Federation (BAMF) has explained how exemptions for antiques could work in practice once the government’s proposed ivory ban comes into effect.

Focus on ‘museum quality’ and certification, says British Art Market Federation...

Auctioneer and valuer association NAVA Propertymark does not agree with the terms of the ivory ban proposed by Defra and is calling for government to replicate existing ‘pre-1947’ rules.

Battle lines have been set during a House of Lords debate about the proposed ivory ban.

Copy of a letter to the proposed ivory ban consultation (which is now closed):

Buyer’s premium and a proliferation of fakes in the art and antiques world are the biggest concerns for the trade, ahead of Brexit issues or regulation, according to the latest ATG reader survey.