Antiques Roadshow urged to reject ivory artefacts

BBC signals review of its policy as conservationist Virginia Mckenna accuses it of being ‘out of touch’

THE Antiques Roadshow is reviewing its approach to featuring antique ivory after campaigners called for it to stop valuing artefacts on air. Virginia Mckenna, from the Born Free Foundation, accused the programme of being “out of touch”, urging it to move away from “parochial fascination with antiques at any price” to consider the repercussions of its continued inclusion of ivory.

Saying those who still argue that featuring antique ivory has no impact on living elephants are simply “fooling themselves”, Ms Mckenna urged Antiques Roadshow executives to consider the implications of their decisions.

Campaigners would like to see ivory exempt from the usual financial evaluation, arguing that placing a value on objects could perpetuate the market.

A spokesman for Antiques Roadshow said the show was “currently reviewing” the way it approached items of ivory, suggesting it could change its approach if legislation changed.

In 2014 the inclusion of an ivory goblet valued at between £5,000 and £8,000 prompted Fiona Bruce, the presenter, to disclose that “people had been raising concerns” about the coverage of ivory. Existing rules allow for “worked” or carved items produced before March 3, 1947 to be sold in the UK. Campaigners hope the law will soon be extended to ban sales of the older items.

It follows years of campaigning by conservationists and public figures, including the Duke of Cambridge.

Writing in Radio Times, Ms Mckenna said: “The decision by Antiques Roadshow to continue its policy – with welcome assurances about reflecting the horrors of poaching – once a likely ban is implemented does not help the situation and is out of touch with the great majority of the British public, parliamentarians and the international community, not to mention the conservationists, wardens and rangers who put their lives on the line in defence of elephants.”

She added: “It is with enormous respect that I say to the wonderful people on Antiques Roadshow – who explain so much about our history, culture and heritage when they look at a painting, a piece of furniture, a vase or some jewellery – that we simply cannot afford to put a value on bloody ivory any longer.”

John Stephenson, the chief executive of Stop Ivory, said: “Only when the buying stops will the killing stop.” A spokesman for the BBC said: “In the light of recent developments in the UK and China with regard to the trade in antique ivory, the Antiques Roadshow is currently reviewing the way it will, in future, approach items of antique ivory that are brought in by members of the public for appraisal.

“We’re looking forward to finding out more about the Government’s plans for new legislation around the trade in antique ivory and will review our approach in the coming months.”