V&A crowdfunding to keep hold of ‘elemental part of English culture’
The museum is looking to raise £2m to acquire the Deposition From The Cross, a 12th-century ivory carving, which is currently at risk of leaving the UK.
The V&A has initiated a fundraiser to prevent the export of the ‘Deposition from the Cross’ ivory carving.
Museum officials are emphasising the historical significance of the carving, which was on loan to the establishment for 40 years until 2022, saying it “speaks to an elemental part of English culture.”
The sculpture dates back to the 12th-century and was likely part of a larger spectacle representing the Passion of Christ. This section shows Joseph of Arimathea lowering the body of the dead Christ from the Cross.
It’s a two-horse race
The V&A are facing competition to acquire the carving from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA) in New York. Last year, MoMA arranged a private £2 million sale at Sotheby’s, contingent on receiving an export license.
Arts and Heritage minister, Stephen Parkinson, has delayed this license, offering the V&A the chance to match their price. The committee says the carving is “one of the most culturally and aesthetically significant objects” they had considered.
The ‘Deposition from the Cross’. CREDIT: DEARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA, AND SPORT
The museum are therefore asking people to donate to reach the £2 million necessary to prevent the private sale.
‘Thousands of objects have been lost’
Michael Baggott, from the Antiques Rescue Centre, has expressed disappointment that the V&A isn’t as proactive about protecting other antiques.
“It’s a great shame that it takes one exceptional item to make people act when thousands of objects have been lost”, he said.
Mr. Baggott has spoken out about the protection of ivory art, claiming the Ivory Acts of 2018 and 2022, which imposed bans on dealing in the material, mean people throw away inherited antiques instead of selling them.
He recognises the significance of the ‘Deposition from the Cross’ but believes donations could be better utilised.
“It’s not in jeopardy of destruction – but they are still raising £2 million for it. A fraction of that amount could open information centres for members of the public who own ivory pieces and aren’t sure how to pass them on.”
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HeadlineV&A crowdfunding to keep hold of ‘elemental part of English culture’
Short HeadlineV&A crowdfunding to keep ivory carving
StandfirstThe museum is looking to raise £2m to acquire the Deposition From The Cross, a 12th-century ivory carving, which is currently at risk of leaving the UK.
The V&A has initiated a fundraiser to prevent the export of the ‘Deposition from the Cross’ ivory carving.
Museum officials are emphasising the historical significance of the carving, which was on loan to the establishment for 40 years until 2022, saying it “speaks to an elemental part of English culture.”
The sculpture dates back to the 12th-century and was likely part of a larger spectacle representing the Passion of Christ. This section shows Joseph of Arimathea lowering the body of the dead Christ from the Cross.
It’s a two-horse race
The V&A are facing competition to acquire the carving from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA) in New York. Last year, MoMA arranged a private £2 million sale at Sotheby’s, contingent on receiving an export license.
Arts and Heritage minister, Stephen Parkinson, has delayed this license, offering the V&A the chance to match their price. The committee says the carving is “one of the most culturally and aesthetically significant objects” they had considered.
The ‘Deposition from the Cross’. CREDIT: DEARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA, AND SPORT
The museum are therefore asking people to donate to reach the £2 million necessary to prevent the private sale.
‘Thousands of objects have been lost’
Michael Baggott, from the Antiques Rescue Centre, has expressed disappointment that the V&A isn’t as proactive about protecting other antiques.
“It’s a great shame that it takes one exceptional item to make people act when thousands of objects have been lost”, he said.
Mr. Baggott has spoken out about the protection of ivory art, claiming the Ivory Acts of 2018 and 2022, which imposed bans on dealing in the material, mean people throw away inherited antiques instead of selling them.
He recognises the significance of the ‘Deposition from the Cross’ but believes donations could be better utilised.
“It’s not in jeopardy of destruction – but they are still raising £2 million for it. A fraction of that amount could open information centres for members of the public who own ivory pieces and aren’t sure how to pass them on.”
