Tough new rules crackdown on sellers to save important cultural items for the public
New rules will give museums and cultural institutions more protection when purchasing items for collections
From:
19 December 2020
The increased protections will help prevent some of the nation’s greatest treasures from being lost to overseas buyers
New rules will see an end to ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in first shake up of export deferral system in over 65 years
Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has announced that new protections will be introduced for museums and galleries trying to save our most important treasures from overseas buyers.
Following a public consultation, the introduction of legally binding offers will see an end to the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ that has caused issues for UK museums and galleries when a seller pulls out at the last minute, causing fundraising efforts to be wasted and the work to be lost to public collections.
Culturally significant sculpture Death of Cleopatra saved from export
Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has stopped the export of ivory sculpture, Death of Cleopatra , carved by the artist Henri de Triqueti
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The sculpture is valued at £150,000 and dates back to 1860
Artist Henri de Triqueti was admired by Prince Albert and is best known for his work on the Albert Memorial Chapel, Windsor
Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has placed a temporary export bar on ivory sculpture titled ‘Death of Cleopatra’ by a highly appreciated figure in 19th century art.
Henri de Triqueti was a notable and influential artist of the era who sought patronage among the royal family. His standing and knowledge earned him the respect of Prince Albert, and his greatest works include the marbles produced for the Albert Memorial Chapel.
Caroline Dinenage (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage said: “Henri de Triqueti is an artist of national significance – his royal connections and influence on sculptors in Britain mean it would be a great shame to lost this exquisite sculpture abroad.
“Whilst UK museums and galleries are currently facing many challenges, I hope one can come forward and save this piece for the British public to enjoy.”
The decision on the export licence application for the sculpture has been deferred until March 17 in the hope that a domestic buyer can be found.
This can be extended until June 17 if there is a serious intention from someone to raise the funds to purchase it.
Raising a glass to Spanish wine
Spanish wine rightly holds a place among the world’s very best, but alongside its famous regions are some that are lesser known. Next year, we hope you ll be able to visit them – as well as enjoying their incredible wine
Published: Tuesday 15th December 2020
In association with
There’s a very good reason why the promise of a beautiful glass of wine is top of the list for so many people when it comes to holiday planning.
It’s because all the ingredients of great wine beyond simply its grapes – glorious sunshine, astonishing biodiversity, careful environmental stewardship and friendly people with generations of experience – tend to add up to a destination with a huge amount to offer, too.