The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, Michael Ellis, has placed a temporary export bar on the painting ‘The Spanish Armada in the Year 1588’, by an unknown artist, to provide an opportunity to keep it in the country. The paining is currently at risk of leaving the UK unless a buyer can be found to match the asking price of £210,000.
The artwork is one of few contemporary depictions of the Spanish Armada and would be a great loss to our historical and artistic heritage. The decision on the export licence has been deferred until 13 December 2018 but this may be extended until 13 March 2019. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the painting can find more information here or should contact the RCEWA on 0845 300 6200.