Letters to the Editor

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – I really enjoyed reading the Collector’s Interview in ATG No 2448, which featured the artist Michael Austin.

MADAM – I wonder whether your readers can assist with any information regarding this signed watercolour acquired in Norfolk in the late 1980s.

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.