If you are thinking of buying or selling art, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) has created a website that should be every art and antiques enthusiast’s first port of call. Launched today, the Cultural Property Advice website contains vital information on collecting, buying and selling art, antiques and antiquities legitimately and with confidence.
The website supports private collectors, trade organisations and individuals working in public collections like museums, libraries and archives. It is a reliable, accurate and practical source of information and guidance on cultural property including: exporting and importing cultural objects; current legislation; news on stolen and illicitly traded objects; and lots of checklists and factsheets to support what you are doing.
The Cultural Property Advice website was commissioned by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), with funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in July 2005. Culture Minister, David Lammy, said, “Public interest in buying and selling art and antiques is on a high at the moment. But the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the trade can be confusing to the novice and the veteran alike. This site brings all the best advice together on every aspect of it, and I warmly recommend it to everyone involved in this fascinating and rewarding business.”
Chris Batt, MLA Chief Executive, said, “The first of its kind, this website not only offers individuals essential information on the rules and regulations surrounding the purchase of art, antiques and antiquities, but presents links to conservation advice; news on illicit trade; case studies offering opportunities to learn from others and more. It is a virtual one-stop-shop for guidance on buying and selling art.”
Tony Robinson, host of the Channel 4 series Time Team, commented, “I’m pleased as punch that this website has been created. It’s vitally important that we protect the nation’s archaeological finds for future generations. This website will help us to do that by explaining the rules and encouraging those who collect antiquities to observe them.”
Michael Aspel, host of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow programme said, “With so many individuals involved in the antiques trade these days, it is vital they are well informed about the industry’s laws. This website does a great job of arming its visitors with the information they need to buy and sell cultural objects legally.”
John Critchley, Director, Antiquarian Booksellers Association, said, "The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association is pleased to endorse the MLA's new Cultural Property Advice website which will be an excellent guide for the trade, the staff of large collections and the general public alike."
“There is much useful information on the website and LAPADA The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers welcomes any site that helps both dealers and members of the public to understand the law regarding the import and export of works of art,” said Sarah Percy-Davies, Chief Executive of LAPADA.
The Cultural Property Advice website can be found at: www.culturalpropertyadvice.gov.uk
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Notes to Editors:
The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and the nine regional agencies work in partnership to provide strategic direction and leadership for museums, libraries and archives across England. Together we work to improve people’s lives by building knowledge, supporting learning, inspiring creativity and celebrating identity. The Partnership acts collectively for the benefit of the sector and the public, leading the transformation of museums, libraries and archives for the future. Further information about AIL is available at: www.mla.gov.uk
The database of items with uncertain 1933-45 provenance, previously held on the National Museum Directors’ Conference website, has been incorporated into the new Cultural Property Advice website, making all the resources accessible in one place.