Law, crime and regulation

A new consultancy firm has been launched by two former Arts Council advisers, specialising in the UK’s policy and laws governing the movement of cultural property.

Art and antiques trade associations have stepped up their campaign to “dilute the worst effects” of the incoming EU import licensing regulation which comes into force next summer.

Heavyweight court case of buyer and adviser underlines the possible disputes

A fakes and forgeries seminar at Goldsmiths’ Hall is returning after a five-year hiatus as concerns emerge of a rise in Paul de Lamerie forgeries.

A surge in websites selling ‘cold-cast bronzes’ – sometimes passing them off as original metal alloy sculptures – has led to calls for tighter rules to distinguish them from genuine works.

Dealers have been targeted by cyber criminals setting up copycat scam sites and tampering with existing websites.

Market traders and dealers at fairs are being urged to join a Facebook group to share information to protect themselves from gangs of thieves.

A temporary export block has been placed on Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Polar Medal in the hope a buyer in the UK can pay £1.7m.

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including an ancient Chinese bronze vessel stolen 40 years ago being recovered after emerging at Sotheby’s.

Following on from my letters last year and articles in Antiques Trade Gazette about the issue of robberies from dealers at markets, I feel compelled to write again.