Letters to the Editor

MADAM – I have recently polled our PBFA members to assess the state of the antiquarian book trade and asked in particular about any positive outcomes of the lockdown.

MADAM – Because I am so old my hen-pecking children have had me in lockdown since the beginning of March.

MADAM – I would like to express my appreciation to the editorial and other colleagues that have provided us with a copy of the ATG every week during this extraordinary time.

MADAM – Re: your report on the sycee sold at auction in Germany (International, ATG No 2438).

MADAM – In your recent report on the Toovey’s book sale (ATG No 2437) you mention the purchase of the Pear Tree Press publication 'Ten designs for Two Gentlemen of Verona'.

MADAM – After this pandemic, retail will undergo a seismic shift even faster than the present move away from many high streets.

MADAM – I am writing a book on the origins and makers of coquilla nut snuff boxes, a time-consuming and difficult task ideally suited to these trying times.

MADAM – We read with interest the notice about the digital-only edition of ATG.

MADAM – regarding the Auction Report in ATG No 2436, Anthony Redmile was not an architect, but a creative designer.

MADAM – The Art Market report in ATG No 2436 of the sale of Terence Cuneo painting 'Evening Star at Full Steam' at Sworders has come off the rails at a couple of points.

MADAM – I wonder if your readers can help us.

MADAM – The priest or Boatswain Starter, with string knotwork at each end, which is probably weighted with lead, and waxed (Letters, ATG Nos 2432 and 2433), is also called a Life Preserver, suggesting a defensive – as well as a proactive, attacking – weapon.

MADAM – It seems to me that the art trade should be seriously lobbying on behalf of the freeports plan mooted recently by the government.

MADAM – Re: ‘Priest or for a press gang perhaps’, Letters, ATG No 2432.

MADAM – As I understand it, the recent government legislation regarding anti-money laundering requires all buyers, established and new, to provide photographic ID and proof of address. This will then be stored on the auction houses’ databases.

MADAM – Re: Hornby Castle Chair in the Bonhams Oak Interior sale (ATG No 2431). I have just returned from holiday to see ‘my’ old armchair staring out at me from the ATG front page. I thought you might be interested in a bit of its missing history.

MADAM – On May 5, 1821, the extraordinary life of Napoleon Bonaparte came to its tragic conclusion in Longwood house St Helena.

MADAM – I was intrigued by your two-page spread on money laundering (ATG No 2430).

MADAM – I feel sure that the auction house Andrew Smith & Son has a fine reputation. An established reputation attractive enough for the owner of the fine antiques depicted on your Letters & Opinion page to send the photograph for appraisal (ATG No 2431).

MADAM – I wonder if any ATG reader could identify this curiosity which I bought at a fair recently?