Historic portraits are often considered to be of cultural significance.
The core point to appreciate is that export controls on art, antiques and archaeological objects generally apply to temporary export, as well as permanent.
Whilst there are precedents for objections to export for younger items, age is a key factor. To require an export licence, most objects will need to be over 50 years old, or 100 years for a few categories and destinations.
An ATA carnet is still a good route for them, you simply need to be aware of whether an additional export licence will be required and which type. The body overseeing their issue is the Arts Council and they offer an in depth guide in pdf format.
With the publicity expensive items receive, easy to think export control is purely a value based system. Whilst this is true to an extent, there are items with no monetary value which can require a licence, such as archaeological objects, or manuscripts.
Historic interest is also a deciding factor. A portrait of a well known person relevant to Britain calls for a licence above a value of £10,000, whereas a landscape, or decorative work needs to be valued in excess of £180,000 (for travel outside the EU).
Export Control Options
Whilst for the foreseeable future, ATA carnets are not required for the EU, useful to have a brief guide to available options.
Open General Export Licences, or Open Individual Export Licences are available for items which do not pass certain value thresholds and they are not so difficult to obtain, high value objects will need individual licences.
Although more likely to apply to higher value items, an expert can be asked to give an opinion regarding any object. For temporary export, this can often be about ensuring safe passage and care, or the likelihood of return to the UK.
Export licences and ATA carnets link up when objects are travelling beyond the EU. There are again general licence schemes, whilst individual licences apply to most items beyond £65,000 and culturally significant artefacts valued at far less.
Oversight can be more stringent and focus more on historic, aesthetic, or national significance. An object’s fitness to travel, assurances on return and the international legal position may also be taken into account.
Preparing To Travel
We can not offer a detailed guide to a complex topic and mainly wanted clients to be aware of possible hitches, which go beyond Rembrandt, or historical treaties.
The old engineering drawing you decided to borrow from the boardroom wall and take to an exhibition could be an item of cultural significance, even with little monetary value.
The pdf guide linked above is helpful, with clear flow charts and tables, although somewhat long at 150 pages. There is a precised version, with essential information and contact details at the Arts Council.
If we can help with the temporary export of art, antiques, or any cultural items you wish to take, by all means see more on our ATA carnet service, or get in touch at any time.