MADAM – As a long-term collector of antiques, as well as a student of the auction scene and an active participant in the ongoing debate on the ivory ban, I thought that it might be helpful to bring readers up-to-date in respect of approaches I have made in recent months to Defra’s Ivory Policy Team.
Since my personal view – that banning all trade in post-1900 ivory is more sensible and practical than trying to police the proposed ‘10% ivory in an object’ rule – appears to have fallen by the wayside, I have concentrated on just two issues, repeatedly asking:
1. What exactly is the justification for the Government’s refusal to establish a compensation scheme, given the reprehensible, retrospective legislation, meaning collectors and dealers will shortly be – with very minor exceptions – owners of valueless antique ivory objects, which could previously be legally traded, and which were of material value?