Letters to the Editor

MADAM – It has been a rough sea for BADA of late and I sincerely hope that BADA will not become ‘The Flying Dutchman’ of the Art and Antique world: endlessly at sea, talking to itself with neither destination nor home port.

MADAM – Further to Kaye Michie’s suggestion of merging our two antiques associations, I would like to say as a longstanding member and past council member of the BADA, shouldn’t now be the time the BADA council asked its membership for their views?

MADAM – There is some hope for a replacement to the regrettable but understandable Covid-related closure of the Christie’s archives highlighted by the trade associations and the letter (ATG No 2476) from Mike Sanderson.

MADAM – I would like to open up the discussion on merging the two major antique trade associations BADA and LAPADA.

MADAM – I do not see the controversy around ARR within the art market going away as long as it is in existence – because its existence is so peculiar.

MADAM – Re: Sotheby’s outpaces Christie’s across ‘transformative’ year (front page, ATG No 2474).

MADAM – Could somebody please explain to me how ARR creates “a level playing field” when it does not apply in Switzerland, America or Hong Kong (‘ARR is here to stay’, front page, ATG No 2476)?

MADAM – I am curating an exhibition being held by the Garden Museum, London, this year which will celebrate the life and achievements of Constance Spry (1886-1960), florist and gardener.

MADAM – I would like to pay an (overdue) tribute to Antiques Trade Gazette.

MADAM – The 2020 National Risk Assessment report, published late last year, rates the art market as ‘high’ risk for money laundering.

MADAM – Thank you to ATG for keeping us up to date with all the goings on in the antique, art and book world in 2020 while this dreadful virus has curtailed all our visits to antique fairs, book fairs etc.

MADAM – I wonder if any of your readers can identify the mezzotint attached.

MADAM – With regard to the mention of Gloria Cardew in the Lyon & Turnbull sale (Books and Works on Paper, ATG No 2474).

MADAM – I was most dismayed to read that Christie’s is withdrawing the archival service that has been available for so many decades (News Digest, ATG No 2474).

MADAM – Your report on the export licence stop placed on the ivory and bronze Triqueti figure of Cleopatra indirectly highlights the tragically arbitrary nature of the Ivory Act (News Digest, ATG No 2474).

MADAM – I was flattered to be mentioned in your Review of the Year 2020 (ATG No 2473). May I make a small correction?

MADAM – When ARR was originally introduced we were told that since the UK was in the Common Market, we had to follow their rules.

MADAM – I read with interest your article about the ‘Bradwell chess piece’ (News, ATG No 2470, and Letters, ATG No 2472).

MADAM – Re: your article on the William De Morgan ‘Frightened Bird’ dish sold for £27,000 at Martel Maides (Pick of the Week, ATG No 2471).

MADAM – Your comprehensive coverage of the recent Unesco debacle in last week’s issue (ATG No 2471) successfully raises ongoing concerns about the organisation’s behaviour and attitudes.