Russia clears way for exhibit after legal guarantees from UK
Published 09 January, 2008, 18:52
Russia has given the go-ahead for an exhibition of Russian paintings to open in Britain. Russia's Federal Culture Agency says the British government has provided all possible guarantees the works of art won't be seized while on British soil.
Last month Russian authorities threatened to cancel the exhibition scheduled to open in London this month.
They cited fears that the paintings, some of which were taken from private collections after 1917, could be subject to claims by heirs of former owners or by companies trying to seize Russian assets as part of lawsuits.
But the British government implemented a law on January 1 that ensures the art's immunity from seizure.
The exhibit, which is called ‘From Russia: French and Russian Master Paintings’, features more than 120 canvases provided by Russia's four biggest museums.
It's due to run at London's Royal Academy from January 26 until April 18.
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