Latest News
None of the world’s top authorities able to supply accurate global data on cultural goods trafficking
Despite myriad figures for illicit trade worth billions or even tens of billions of dollars, no one can point to any reliable source for claims A survey of a dozen of the world’s top law enforcement agencies and government departments has revealed that none of them...
How the BBC helped Ittai Gradel crack the British Museum thefts – Chalke Valley Festival revelations
On June 25, The Chalke Valley History Festival played host to a BBC seminar on the thefts from the British Museum. BBC Culture Editor Katies Razzall and her team of investigators shared a platform with whistleblower Dr Ittai Gradel in front of a packed audience as they told the tale of how the thefts came to light and Dr Gradel’s pivotal role in exposing them.
UK trade plan June 28 seminar as new EU import law fears grow
Leading art market lawyer says new regulation will risk isolating the EU culturally British trade associations concerned about impending EU legislation that will affect UK exports will brief dealers on the changes at a seminar in London on June 28. Titled The...
Latest Views
Nice idea, but even the European Commission knows database proposal wouldn’t work
A continent-wide system linking up all existing databases (and adding new ones where needed) after they have adapted to a single standard could be a very effective means of combatting cultural property crime. However, as this 320-page paper makes abundantly clear, too many obstacles persist to render this ambition anything but a fantasy.
Where are Woodward and Bernstein when you need them?
No questions asked; no curiosity – how the media deals with attacks on the art market One of the most concerning aspects surrounding fake news as it applies to the subject of cultural heritage is the widespread failure of the media to address the issue properly. While...
Infighting as the Oba of Benin tries to seize all rights to the bronzes
Dispute shows that the ‘moral’ case is not always clear cut Passed as part of the Charities Act 2022, measures that have been suspended relating to deaccessioning in museums and the return of objects to source countries will now come into force. The idea is to make it...