Due to his father's wealth, Ives did not need to take a job, and his growing interest in British antiquities made it undesirable. Ives was elected as a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London on 13 June 1771.
Ives' family wealth enabled him to avoid work, which clashed with his growing enthusiasm for British antiquities. Consequently, he was elected as a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in June 1771.