The event, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Endangered Species, will be a chance for dealers to speak directly to parliamentarians, the content of which will form part of a submission by the APPG directly into the government’s consultation on an ivory ban.
Attendees from the trade will include auctioneer James Lewis of Bamfords along with dealers Paul Moss of Sydney Moss, Philip Mould, Peter Petrou, Audrey Gaffney and H Blairman’s Martin Levy.
Associations will be represented by Mark Dodgson, secretary general of the BADA, and Rebecca Davies, chief executive of LAPADA.
Philip Mould said: “This meeting seems like a sensible idea. I am concerned there had been a high level of ignorance and we would really like to engage to inform decision makers.”
The APPG says the event is designed to hear how practical implementation of a ban and the proposed exemptions could work.
Chair Rachel Maclean MP described the meeting and the consultation as “an opportunity for all those affected to have their voice heard”.
Certification process
Paul Moss told ATG: “It is our belief that the trade in fake antique or modern ivory artefacts can be closed down by organised surveillance and the institution of a certification process whereby, for a fee, individual ivory antique works of art are given a ‘passport’.
“The funds received could go towards a government approved initiative that actually helped to stop elephant poaching in Africa, which is the whole point of this discussion.”
“BADA is keen that collectors take part in the consultation. They own the objects
Alongside members from the art and antiques trade will be representatives from The Musicians’ Union and Music Industries Association and a number of animal welfare groups such as WWF, IFAW, Action for Elephants UK and Born Free.
December 29 deadline
The government announced its proposals to introduce a total ban on UK sales of ivory on October 6. The consultation on this proposal closes on December 29.
The exemptions to the government ban proposed are musical instruments; items containing only a small proportion of ivory (the de minimis exemption); items of ‘significant artistic, cultural and historic value’ and sales to and between museums.
The ban is designed to stop the trade in ivory that contributes “either directly or indirectly to the continued poaching of elephants”.
The trade associations want to ensure as many people as possible from the art and antiques sector contribute to the consultation.
Dodgson said: “BADA is very keen to encourage collectors to take part in the consultation. They own the objects and it is very important that they participate. We are holding an informal gathering for members and clients shortly to discuss and inform members about the consultation.”
For more detail on how to take part in the consultation see our Letters page.
