[MSN] Cultural property advice portal sets sale online

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Cultural property advice portal sets sale online
Date: 13 Feb 2007 - 06:23 
Source: Museums, Libraries and Archives Council 

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 

ENDS

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.


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