(02/11/2000) Fur Exhibition Opens in London

The predominance of fur in this year's Autumn/Winter fashion collections has triggered a new display at the Museum of London. Stolen Skins? Fur in Fashion opens on 3 November 2000 and runs until 21 January 2001. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to consider the fur issue.

The British Fur Trade Association says: "More than half of the world's trade in fur is carried out from London by members of the British Fur Trade Association. Fur is more popular than ever before with more than 240 top designers and millions of their customers throughout the world, yet the Government is banning farmed fur production on the grounds that it allegedly offends public morality. With British fur farmers accounting for less than 0.01% of world production, a UK ban on fur farming will have no effect on the growth and popularity of fur as a natural fibre for fashion and cold weather clothing."

The BFTA maintains: "And it's not just the fashion industry and consumers that are supporting fur. A recent public opinion poll brings into question the Government's stance. In fact British people overwhelmingly support the farming of animals for any purpose provided there is good animal welfare."

The poll earlier this year by Taylor Nelson Sofres, commissioned by the BFTA, also found that people were tolerant of others who wear fur. And the majority think it is environmentally sound to do so, along with other natural fibres such as wool, silk and leather (see chart under notes to editors).

The Museum of London exhibition offers people the chance to look at the facts and the arguments presented so that they can decide for themselves!

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Issued by the British Fur Trade Association.
2 November 2000
Press contact – Andrea Martin
e-mail press@britishfur.co.uk