First refusal plan to save iconic art works from leaving Britain

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, December 16, 2018
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LONDON, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- New measures to protect more of Britain's greatest treasures from being lost to overseas buyers have been outlined by the government in the weekend.

Proposals could see museums, galleries and buyers would be given "first refusal" when national treasures at risk of going to new homes abroad.

Currently the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has the power to block important artefacts and works of art from being exported, but only for a short time. This system of temporary export bans is intended to give British based institutions or individuals the chance to match selling prices achieved at auctions or private sales.

DCMS said the new plans would strengthen the export deferral rules and give British museums and buyers a greater opportunity to keep important artworks and artefacts in the country.

The proposals, now open for public consultation, would introduce a formal, legally binding agreement with private sellers, instead of the current "gentleman's agreement".

It would mark the first significant change to the system in over 65 years, and reaffirm the government's commitment to protect of national treasures, said DCMS.

Arts Minister Michael Ellis said: "Over the past 65 years our export bar system has saved hundreds of our most valuable cultural objects for the benefit of the nation. However with many exceptional items increasing dramatically in value in recent years, it is right that we strengthen this process.

"These plans would protect museums that fundraise in good faith and help to keep national treasures in the UK where they can be seen and enjoyed by the public."

Items saved for the nation through the current system includes a gold ring owned by the British writer Jane Austen, which was acquired by Jane Austen's House Museum.

Over the last ten years, 40 percent of items at risk of export, worth a total of 97 million pounds, have been saved for the nation by British museums and galleries. (1 pound = 1.26 U.S. dollars) Enditem

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