CPD Course:
Embarrassing, Difficult and Forbidden Art and Heritage, and the Law: Toppling Statues, Changing Names, Hiding Exhibits, Destroying Antiques and Prosecuting Collectors

This seminar will contain some images that may be considered offensive by some- possibly all- particularly on aesthetic grounds.

In the last few years, statues and other monuments have been toppled and torn down around the world in response to changing perceptions of the people, events and practices they commemorate.  These are considered no longer appropriate, embarrassing, distressing and even despicable, to the extent memory of them must be eradicated.  In addition, museums, galleries and other public collections have been the scene of protests because they have displayed antiques and/or art which is deemed offensive by some on many grounds, including religious, moral and legal.  This has led to the cancellation of some exhibitions, the removal of some exhibits and even the deaccession for repatriation, sale or destruction of some items.  Even the private collector now has to be wary not only of where his collection came from, and how it may be disposed of, but also whether it may be displayed, even in the collector’s home.  This seminar considers what may be termed “Embarrassing, Difficult and Forbidden Art and Heritage”, and the law which may affect such art and heritage.

• What is Embarrassing, Difficult and Forbidden Art and Heritage;
• Issues with statues and monuments;
• Issues with names;
• Embarrassing art and antiques;
• Issues for museums;
• Private collectors and embarrassing art and antiques;
• Laws affecting retention of embarrassing art and antiques;
• Laws affecting display of embarrassing art and antiques;
• Laws affecting disposal of embarrassing art and antiques.