Keeping UK art from being sold abroad

NEW protections aimed at stopping some of the UK’s most important artworks and artefacts being sold to overseas buyers have been outlined by the Government.

The proposals, set out in a public consultation, would strengthen export deferral rules and give UK museums and buyers a better chance of acquiring items considered national treasures.

The measures would bring-in a formal, legally binding agreement with private sellers to replace the current ‘gentleman’s agreement’ system, the Government said.

Under the current rules, which have stood for 65 years, if a UK buyer puts in a matching offer on a national treasure set for export then they are given first refusal and time to raise the funds. However, it is down to the seller to honour the commitment.

The Government wants to introduce a mechanism to ensure that owners are legally bound to honour their commitment of accepting a matching offer from a UK buyer in order to remove the risk of reneging on the sale.

UK museums and buyers would also get first refusal on acquisitions.

Michael Ellis, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, said: “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.”

The public consultation will run until February 24.