UK Ivory Act to be Enforced
February 16 2022
Picture: @AntiquesRescue
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The UK Ivory Act 2018 is due to be enforced on 24th February 2022.
Although the Act does contain many exemptions, including pre-1918 Miniatures on Ivory up to 320cm², it seems that many antique works of art will soon become illegal to sell. Items such as this c.1820 silver fork (with a c.1650 carved handle) will not be covered by the exemptions list, as it contains more than the 20% (in weight) allotted ivory covered by the law. Owners of items not covered by the exemption list will have to apply for exemption certificates issued by a list of sanctioned museums to prove that it is of great cultural significance.
Many antiques enthusiasts, collectors and dealers are worried that the new law might result in the destruction, scrapping and disfiguring of many historic artworks. Silver specialist and dealer Michael Baggott has written in the Antiques Trade Gazette on plans to start a new charity called the Antiques Rescue Centre. The charity will hopefully allow owners to donate items in order for them to be saved from the industrial shredder, crusher or scrap metal merchant.
