Government steps in to block two rare George Stubbs paintings from leaving the country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government has temporarily blocked two rare George Stubbs paintings from leaving the country, although £5.5m needs to be raised by August to keep them in the UK permanently.
Culture minister Ed Vaizey has put a temporary export bar on The Kongouro from New Holland (The Kangaroo) and Portrait of a Large Dog (The Dingo), which were first exhibited in 1773 at the Royal Academy.
The works were the first to introduce animals from the Australasian New World to the British public in the 18th century.
The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest recommended the export decision be deferred, saying their departure “would be a misfortune”. The bar expires on 5 August, but may be extended by a further three months.
Lord Inglewood, chairman of the committee, said: “It would be a terrible shame if the UK were to lose these extraordinary paintings to an overseas buyer.”
Stubbs was known for his paintings of horses and dogs. These two were among the few he was unable to paint from life. He worked of verbal accounts and for the kangaroo, used sketches and by inflating the preserved skin.
They are believed to have been commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks after his part in Captain James Cook’s first voyage of discovery to the Pacific.
The committee added the paintings “were of outstanding significance for the study of 18th century exploration of Australia and the public dissemination of knowledge during the Enlightenment”.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments