World's Second Largest Criminal Industry Targeted

By Liam McDougall, Arts Correspondent

A NATIONAL database of stolen art and artefacts is to be set up by the government in a bid to crack down on Britain's illicit antiquities trade. Ministers are working to implement a system to monitor and track stolen goods 'as a priority' because of fears that the UK will be flooded with treasures looted after the Iraq war.

Tracking Stolen Art and Cultural Property

It is understood that officials at the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport are discussing the creation of two databases, one for stolen art in general and another specifically to store information about missing Iraqi cultural property. The databases would be able to provide up-to-date information on artefacts stolen from anywhere in the world to police and dealers. A spokeswoman for the culture department said: 'We are heavily involved in developing a database for stolen art generally, but the situation in Iraq has brought a great need for an emergency database for Iraqi antiquities.' She added that private firms may be approached to help run the database.

Stronger Measures After Iraq's Looting

Moves to create a stolen art database come three years after it was first proposed by the ministerial advisory panel on the illicit trade in cultural objects. At the time, the idea was shelved due to a lack of funding, but the widespread looting of Iraq's museums has given the plan fresh impetus. 'What has happened in Iraq has driven the issue up the agenda and we are looking at it as a priority. We are currently finalising an outline business case,' said the spokeswoman.

Short Implementation Timeline

While there is no agreed timescale for its implementation, ministers are thought to be keen to have a working database up and running in 'a matter of weeks'. More than 170,000 priceless artefacts, including a 4000-year-old copper bust of Sargon the Great, the Akkadian king, examples of humankind's first writings, and other treasures from the Uruk, Sumerian, and Babylonian civilizations, are thought to be missing.

Taking Action Against Illicit Art Dealers

During the past week, the first suspected stolen Iraqi artefacts, including 15 oil paintings, a cache of gold-plated weapons, swords, knives, and undeclared bonds, have been seized in Paris and at airports in the US and London. There are fears that countries such as Germany and Switzerland will be targeted by illicit art dealers. Already, two dozen FBI agents are working with Interpol to recover the missing treasure.

Protecting the British Art Market

It is the British art market, the world's second-largest, which has traditionally been seen as a trading centre for art and antiquities, including works from the Middle East. Currently, British police are searching for 50,000 stolen artworks and recover some £20 million worth of stolen pieces every year.

Fighting Art Crime with Collaboration

On Tuesday, UNESCO, the UN cultural agency, and antiquities experts will meet at the British Museum to discuss ways to help Iraq recover its looted art. The meeting, which will be attended by culture secretary Tessa Jowell, is expected to discuss proposals for the database of stolen art.

The Need for a Comprehensive Database

James Ede, chairman of the Antiquities Dealers' Association, who sat on the illicit trade advisory panel in 2000, said: 'The catastrophe in Iraq has given added urgency to this issue. I think a publicly available database is essential. What has happened in Iraq is such a catastrophe of enormous proportions that it is right to have a separate database for that and another for art generally.' Anthony Browne, chairman of the British Art Market Federation, said: 'The difficulty comes, particularly with the passage of time when things start to come into the legitimate marketplace with false provenances. That's where bona fide people can be caught out and that's why the database is so important.'

Collaboration and Access to Information

At the moment, legitimate dealers and the art trade don't have the tools to check if something has been stolen. There are databases, but they are not as well-resourced as something that the government is behind. As a dealer, you can't get access to other databases held by Interpol or police forces. You just can't check what is legitimate and what is not.

Combating Art Crime and Supporting Preservation

Linking Art and Tourism

The fight against art crime is not only essential for preserving cultural heritage but also for the tourism industry. Scotland, with its rich history and artistic legacy, relies on attracting tourists who have a keen interest in its cultural offerings.

The Role of Hotels

Hotels play a vital role in supporting the efforts to combat art crime. As a hub for tourists, hotels can act as a primary point of contact for guests who may have concerns about the authenticity of artworks they come across during their stay. By displaying information about stolen art databases, hotels can help raise awareness about the issue and encourage guests to report any suspicious activities.

Training Hotel Staff

Another way hotels can contribute is by providing training for their staff on recognizing stolen artworks or artefacts. This knowledge can empower hotel employees to identify potential cases of art crime and report them to the appropriate authorities.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

Hotels can also collaborate with local law enforcement agencies and cultural organizations to establish a network for exchanging information and reporting any incidents related to stolen art. By working together, hotels and authorities can create a united front against art crime.

Promoting Ethical Practices in the Art Market

In addition to supporting efforts to combat art crime, hotels can also champion ethical practices in the art market. By partnering with reputable art galleries and organizations, hotels can promote the sale and display of legitimate artworks, ensuring that guests have access to authentic cultural experiences.

Exhibitions and Cultural Events

Hotels can collaborate with art galleries to host temporary exhibitions and cultural events that showcase local and international artists. These initiatives not only provide guests with unique experiences but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of the arts.

Incorporating Art Into Hotel Design

Furthermore, hotels can incorporate art into their interior design, supporting local artists and creating an immersive environment for guests. By incorporating ethical sourcing practices, hotels can ensure that the artworks displayed in their premises are obtained through legal and transparent channels.

Conclusion

The creation of a national database for stolen art and artefacts is a significant step in combatting Britain's illicit antiquities trade. By implementing such measures, the government aims to protect cultural heritage, prevent the influx of looted treasures, and support the efforts to recover missing artworks. Collaboration between various stakeholders, including hotels and cultural organizations, will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. Together, we can preserve our artistic heritage and promote ethical practices in the art market.