Tag: 2025

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 9 May 2025.

A temporary export bar has been placed on a painting of the Virgin Mary by Italian painter, Sandro Botticelli.

• The work has been valued at £10.2 million
• The export bar will allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the painting for the nation

An export bar has been placed on a painting by Italian master, Sandro Botticelli, which is at risk of leaving the UK.

Botticelli was one of the leading Florentine painters of the second half of the fifteenth century and one of the most recognisable names in art history. Botticelli became well-known for his mythological and religious paintings, often with a focus on beauty and harmony. His most famous works include The Birth of Venus and Primavera.

Valued at more than £10.2 million (£9,960,000 + £272,000 VAT) the painting depicts an image of the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child and is believed to have been painted in the 1470s, early in Botticelli’s career. If saved by a cultural institution, the painting would represent a significant addition to the body of work by Botticelli in UK collections. Very few early Botticelli’s remain in the UK and it would provide a richer and more detailed understanding of his work and the development of Florentine painting in the later fifteenth century.

The Virgin and Child Enthroned exemplifies Botticelli’s ability to combine radiant humanity and powerful spirituality. The shape and angle of the Virgin’s face bear similarities to the central Venus in Botticelli’s celebrated Primavera, painted in the late 1470s or early 1480s.

The artist has also given exceptional attention to the Virgin’s features, with the light catching her upper eyelids, the tip of her nose and the cupid’s bow of her lips.

Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said:

This painting is a perfect example of Botticelli’s genius and a unique part of history.

I hope that a UK gallery is able to save this work so that it can be enjoyed by the public for generations to come.

Christopher Baker, Committee member:

Dating from the early 1470s, this affecting devotional work, demonstrates the sophistication of Botticelli’s painting early in his career in Florence. Probably intended to inspire private prayer in a domestic setting, it is an image that has a wider resonance as it delicately explores the power of maternal love.

The cult of, or enthusiasm for Botticelli, of which it formed a part, had grown during the Victorian era and the painting arrived in Britain in 1904; it was acquired by Lady Wantage and entered the renowned Lloyd collection.

Further research on the placement of Botticelli’s work in his career and the organisation of his workshop, as well as links with the wider context of Florentine Renaissance art would all be of enormous benefit. In view of these intriguing possibilities every effort should be made to try and secure this beguiling painting for a British collection.

The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

The RCEWA Committee found that The Virgin and Child Enthroned painting met the third Waverley criterion for its outstanding significance for the study of western art and its reception in later periods, Botticelli, the process and practice of Florentine workshops, and the history of collecting in the UK.

The decision on the export licence application for the painting will be deferred for a period ending on 8 August 2025 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 business days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the painting at the recommended price of £9,960,000 (plus VAT of £272,000, which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for six months.

Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by the Minister. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 9 May 2025.

The Secretary of State has reappointed Alain Clapham, Viscount Charles Colville and Professor Caroline Malone as Board Members of the Museum of the Home for a second term of 3 years, from 4 November 2024 until 3 November 2027.

Alain Clapham

Alain ‘Fusion’ Clapham is an award-winning communicator and strategic thinker, recognised for his ability to shape narratives that connect institutions, businesses and communities. With a background in media, digital strategy, and cultural consultancy, he has worked with leading organisations – including YouTube, Historic Royal Palaces, Wellcome Collection and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) – to develop innovative approaches to audience engagement and institutional change.

His work with heritage bodies, brands, educational institutions and corporate leaders has positioned him as a key figure in discussions around cultural representation, public discourse, and strategic transformation. He has advised on projects that bridge policy, digital evolution, and public engagement, ensuring institutions remain both forward-thinking and accessible.

As the director of BMTstories and SUPERORGANIC, Alain leads cultural platforms that connect audiences and industry through innovative practice and creative empowerment. His work as a public speaker, facilitator and Transformative Storyteller fosters dialogue, learning, and expression across diverse communities.

Viscount Charles Colville

Charles Colville is a television producer and Crossbench member of the House of Lords. He is a graduate in Modern History from Durham University. He started his career as a journalist in the West Midlands and went on to work for BBC’s Newsnight programme becoming the Moscow producer during the fall of the Soviet Union. Moving to documentaries he made a wide range of science and history programmes working with museums and heritage organisations around the world.

He used his experience as a journalist and historical knowledge to create independent, fresh narratives. Since leaving the BBC he has made a series on the role of the Queen in our national life.

In the House of Lords he speaks on the media and digital issues amongst other matters. He has supported amendments in the Environment Bill to reduce plastic pollution. As a member of cross-party Communications and Digital Select Committee he has taken part in inquiries on digital regulation and UK public service broadcasting. The current inquiry is into the government’s consultation into the privatisation of Channel 4. He is a great supporter of the Museum of the Home and looks forward to continuing working with the Board of Trustees.

Professor Caroline Malone

Caroline Malone studied archaeology and anthropology and undertook research on prehistory in southern Europe, an area where she has continued fieldwork in Malta, Sicily and Italy, most recently leading the ERC funded FRAGSUS Project. She was Curator for English Heritage of the Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury and an Inspector of Ancient Monuments before commencing an academic career at Bristol, Cambridge and Queen’s University Belfast. She was the editor of Antiquity Journal, and also has served as Keeper of the former department of Prehistoric and Romano British Antiquities at the British Museum, as Senior Tutor of Hughes Hall Cambridge, and as Senior Proctor of Cambridge University.  She is the author of a number of books and papers. She is currently a visiting Professor at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge and  Emeritus Professor of Prehistory at Queen’s University Belfast, and is DCMS Trustee of the Museum of the Home.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the Museum of the Home are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s [Governance Code on Public Appointments].

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Alain Clapham has not declared any significant political activity. Caroline Malone has declared that she has stood as a candidate for Local Council Elections in Cambridge, Castle Ward for the Liberal Democrats in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She also canvassed on behalf of the Liberal Democrats in Cambridge, Castle Ward in 2022 and 2023. Viscount Colville is a freelance TV producer.