BADA is coordinating efforts by fellow associations LAPADA and SOFAA to get legal opinion on Defra’s proposals, which involve a near-total ban on the sale of antique ivory with few exceptions.
“There is a sense of momentum to what we’re doing and people are getting involved who aren’t directly affected by the ban, because they feel this is a campaign worth supporting,” said Marco Forgione, chief executive of BADA.
London folk art dealer Robert Young is the latest person to pledge money to the fund initiated by fellow dealer Edric Van Vredenburgh.
A draft list of questions for submission to legal counsel is being prepared by the trade bodies.
As ATG went to press, Defra had no update on the timing of when the legislation would be brought before parliament.
BADA said donations or pledges of help can still be made to Mark Dodgson, BADA secretary general via email to mark@bada.org or by calling 020 7589 4128.
“Objects with ivory that are part of human history are being put at risk by the proposed legislation,” Forgione added.
“Anything that can be done to prevent illegal poaching should be done, but Defra’s proposals do not address those issues.”
