LONDON.- The 64th annual report of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (the Committee) has been published today.

At the Committee’s recommendation the Secretary of State put in place temporary export-deferrals for a wide range of ‘national treasures’, seven of which were subsequently purchased by UK institutions.

Items saved for the nation include two important Surrealist works by Salvador Dalí, made in collaboration with Edward James; a rare marble bust of Queen Victoria that accurately captures the ageing monarch, by Alfred Gilbert; an annotated volume of works by Ben Jonson, offering scholars unique insight into the performance of pre-Restoration plays; and an unusual Roman figurine, purchased by the Chelmsford Museum (less than five miles from where it was originally discovered) for £550, highlighting that outstanding significance does not necessarily need to correlate to monetary value.

Sir Hayden Phillips, Chair of the Committee, said: “The Committee has had another absorbing and interesting year. While we have not been able to retain all of the objects which we recommended for temporary export referral those that have been purchased by UK institutions represent a significant gain for public access to our cultural life. I am grateful for the commitment of my colleagues, for that of the many Independent Assessors who join us to help make the important judgements which are required, and for that of the staff at the Arts Council who make up our Secretariat. It is a privilege to be the Chairman of the Reviewing Committee.”

Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “The retention of seven national treasures in the UK where they can be enjoyed by the public is a real achievement. I’m immensely grateful to the Reviewing Committee, and its Chair Sir Hayden Phillips, for the expertise and care which they bring to the task of identifying those works of national significance that should remain in the UK, when the necessary financial resources can be found.”

Michael Ellis, Arts Minister, said: “The export bar system exists so that we can keep works of national importance in the UK. These items help tell the story of our history and culture and it is right that we try to save them for the nation. I am delighted that so many items have been kept in the UK over the last year and are now on display for the public to enjoy.”