Letters to the Editor

MADAM – The auction report (issue 2459, page 22) highlighting the sale of two Napoleonic documents at Sotheby’s is most interesting when you consider the two very different characters they were addressed to.

MADAM – The new planning law amendment which could affect Portobello Road by opening the door to more gyms, restaurants, offices, clinics, etc is preposterous (see last week’s News).

MADAM – It was good to see Alan Sturrock’s robust and considered appeal for a greater understanding of the significance of Staffordshire figures in the markets (ATG 2457).

MADAM – I fully endorse Alan Sturrock’s concerns over multiple lots in auctions (Letters, ATG No 2457).

MADAM – Hadleigh Old School in Suffolk is reopening as a concert hall in 2021. A former Victorian boys’ school, it became an arts and music venue in the 1970s under maestro Thomas McIntosh, the famous American pianist and conductor.

MADAM – In lieu of a (complimentary) catalogue from a provincial auctioneer, I recently received a letter explaining as a result of Coronavirus that in common with the likes of ‘Argos and Sotheby’s’ print catalogue production would cease and move entirely online, as will the actual auction.

MADAM – I hope your readers can help me track down a few items. I am trying to find some old Wedgwood Flaxman chess pieces from about 1825-70. I have been trying to complete this set for more than 40 years.

The Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair (September 11-13), is a big step towards getting back to business as usual for many dealers and collectors.

MADAM – Just to add to the provenance of the newly discovered Scottish disc-end spoon in your most recent edition (Pick of the week, ATG No 2456, sold at Lyon & Turnbull for £21,000).

MADAM – The imminent Ivory Act is, not to put too fine a point on it, an ill-considered waste of space, introduced by the ill-advised misguided.

MADAM – I have written on a previous occasion to the ATG in my capacity as president of the Staffordshire Figure Association and on behalf of its members, and indeed others who buy (or, should I say, would like to buy) Staffordshire figures at auction.

MADAM – Your piece on the UCLAN MA (Antiques) was interesting (News, ATG No 2456). I hadn’t known the course had been suspended, but am very glad it’s been reinstated.

MADAM – I note with interest that the Firsts London rare book fair is on the move again (News, ATG No 2454).

MADAM – Many of your readers will already have heard the news that the National Trust is going through a consultation process and will make up to 1200 redundancies as it expects to lose up to £200m this year.

MADAM – Re the excellent account (News, ATG No 2454) of the silver cup presented to Charles Selby by Prince Charles Edward, may I correct a few errors?

MADAM – I normally confine myself to commenting on Napoleon-related subjects. However, your piece on the Isle of Wight pop festival in 1970 (Dealers’ Diary, ATG No 2454) took me back to being a 15-year-old boy with hair on his shoulders living on the island during that extraordinary event.

MADAM – ATG's report ‘Sotheby’s introduces new fee on top of the hammer price and buyer’s premium’ (News, ATG No 2454) will raise eyebrows.

MADAM – You might suggest to Anthony Carter that he should photograph the faint inscription on his ‘fake Constable’ (Letters, ATG No 2451) with an infrared setting on a camera (often called ‘night vision’ on cameras).

MADAM – During these challenging Covid-19 times, it is encouraging to note that stamps, at least, have held up well, perhaps because philately is the perfect hobby for the home buyer.

MADAM – Re: Anthony Carter’s enquiry about his painting of the Mill Stream and Willy Lott’s cottage which he thinks might be by Lionel Bicknell Constable (ATG No 2451), might I suggest he takes the picture to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which reopens on August 6.