Dear Sir
R Havenhand’s contribution and its publication are courageous (ATG No 2019). Whilst many would disagree with your correspondent’s robust views, some even coughing over their Shreddies, the question of vetting is certainly in need of airing.
In my submission, the present vetting procedure is a disgrace. Some items are even hidden from the Committee, and only placed on the tables, after it has left. Vetting requires tightening up drastically, to restore confidence – not goods; the old guard needs retraining and new faces, some from the younger generation, with proven expertise and experience, should be embraced in future vetting Committees for the major exhibitions.
I would include, among the latter group, Elliot Lee, a refreshingly energetic individual, who not only has an eye for quality, but also whose Blog demonstrates that he has the interests of the antiques world at heart. For those cynics among you, he is completely unaware that this letter has been tendered for publication.
If Mr Havenhand still retains his receipts, he might like to return his restored pieces to the dealers concerned, for whom it is only fair to say that they may well have acted in good faith, out of ignorance. Not all dealers are crooks, many of them being of the utmost integrity. Indeed, as a collector of truncheons and postal history, inter alia, I am determined to continue enjoying countless happy experiences, in respect of my own purchases.
Yours faithfully
Gavin Littaur
Posted on December 17, 2011 by Editors
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