Law, crime and regulation

The buyer of a major Old Master painting at the centre of a potential ‘fakes’ scandal has strongly defended its authenticity as a row threatens to erupt over its attribution.

A London-based musician’s equipment, including an antique violin, has been stolen and she is calling on the trade to help her find it.

An Old Master painting recently saved for the nation by the Bowes Museum is set to be showcased at a new exhibition held in the painting’s new home.

Henry Neville, former director at Mallett and head of their New York branch, has pleaded guilty to all criminal charges relating to an embezzlement case brought by US authorities.

Lawyers representing the Frenchman Giulano Ruffini have defended his role in handling paintings at the centre of a ‘fakes scandal’ besetting the Old Masters market.

A family row over a large collection of 17th century Chinese porcelain escalated this week after Art Fund trustee Caroline Butler hired Christie’s to value the collection.

The murder of book dealer Adrian Greenwood was part of an attempt to steal a £50,000 first edition of the Wind in the Willows, a court has heard.

A series of Old Master paintings has come under the spotlight as further details emerge about a potentially major fakes scandal.

Earlier this year, authorities in France seized a painting attributed to Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) which was being exhibited in the Caumont Centre d’Art in Aix-en-Provence.

The possibility of a global ban on ivory that would allow exemptions for antiques was under discussion at last week’s CITES summit in South Africa.

Wildlife campaigners are calling for a crackdown on ivory exports from the UK after a report revealed trade doubled to Hong Kong last year.

A large collection of 17th century Chinese porcelain could be broken up and sold after a family feud among the heirs of Sir Michael Butler, a former aide to Margaret Thatcher.

Michael Baggott, silver dealer and regular TV antiques pundit, looks to his own specialism for a solution to the antique ivory conundrum – and volunteers to help

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom has vowed to consult with the antiques trade over plans to tighten rules surrounding ivory.

Antiques Trade Gazette is partnering with auctioneer body SoFAA and dealer organisation the BADA to host a seminar on the essentials of CITES, as the government announces tougher rules around the trade of ivory-based objects.

The long-awaited tax fraud trial of art dealer Guy Wildenstein has begun in Paris.

The government is expected to announce that it will consult the antiques industry and other parties on the kind of proof that will be required to trade ivory pre-dating 1947, ATG has learned.

The market for antique ivory in France looks set to be paralysed by bureaucracy, a lawyer for dealer association Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA) has told ATG.

Environment minister Andrea Leadsom will tomorrow announce a full prohibition on the sale of ivory objects made after 1947, ATG has been told.

Auctioneers and dealers will have to provide proof that antique ivory is aged 70 years and older, according to media reports this morning.