Russian paintings guaranteed immunity
Published on: 21-Dec-2007
A collection of paintings from Russia has been guaranteed immunity and is no longer in danger of being confiscated by the authorities. The Russians pulled out of an exhibition of the works over fears that some of the pictures may have been impounded because of ownership disputes.
Their fears have been allayed however as culture secretary James Purnell has just announced plans bringing forward legislation guaranteeing their safety.
The Russian culture agency has now agreed to export the works, which include paintings by Van Gogh and Matisse, once the new law has come into force.
Problems over their export arose because some of the 120 paintings due to go on show at the Royal Academy of Art had been taken from private collections after the 1917 revolution.
The Royal Academy, in a statement, said it wished to "express its gratitude to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for their support for the exhibition and for making it possible".
The show, entitled From Russia: French and Russian Master Paintings, is due to open at the Royal Academy of Art on January 26th.
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