September 16, 2000
CONTENTS:
- Art Crime (katie buchanan )
- Security position
- Brits, Feedback,Thieves, & an Antipope's Skull (Jonathan Sazonoff)
- Fake or illicit trade
- Fire Closes Hamline University Library
- Re: MSN subscribers: I need your feedback (Nicola Erriquez)
- RE: MSN subscribers: I need your feedback (Susan Zabolotniuk, BA, FRM)
- RE: MSN subscribers: I need your feedback (Elizabeth E. Fuller)
- RE: MSN subscribers: I need your feedback (linn keller)
- WILDENSTEIN REVEAL KEY DOCUMENTS ON ALLEGED WAR LOOT
Date sent: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 11:44:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: katie buchanan katiebuchanan@mail.com
To: securma@xs4all.nl
Subject: Art Crime
14th September 2000
Dear Sir/Madam,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Katie Buchanan and I have just completed a Masters Degree in Criminology at Keele University in Staffordshire, England. As part of this course it was necessary to complete a 15,000 word dissertation, an opportunity which enabled me to pursue my personal interest in Art Crime and in turn, assemble a broad and detailed understanding of the conceptual, theoretical and practical aspects of this multi-stranded phenomenon. Indeed this personal interest has stemmed from previous studies of Art and Classical Civilisation, and at A-Level, an intense and enjoyable two-year course in History of Art.
In essence, I am very much hoping to become involved in the fight against art crime. I feel that I could make a valuable contribution with my understanding of Criminology and my recent specialisation in crime prevention. Importantly, this is partnered with a love for art. Therefore, I was wondering if you could help me to realise my ambition. Particularly, it would be extremely helpful if you could outline any career opportunities available in this field, or indeed whether I should look towards further study to pursue my goal. Certainly your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time in considering this mail and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours Faithfully,
Katie Buchanan.
For any further information I can be contacted by telephone on 07931 193297 or by email at katiebuchanan@mail.com
From: "Bill Losefsky" twain@nh.ultranet.com
To: securma@xs4all.nl
Subject: Security position
Date sent: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 09:14:41 -0400
Dear Sir,
I am applying for a Museum security director position and come from a law enforcement background and executive protection/private investigator. I am looking for a few tips on how to write a good cover letter for this position. Can you help?
William Losefsky C.M.I.
Litigation Concepts "Something is impossible until it is not".
PO BOX 164
Goffstown, N.H. 03045
PH# 603-641-0395 FAX# 603-250-6315
E-mail: twain@nh.ultranet.com
Web: http://www.Investigate-it.com
Complete Investigations and Information Service.
Memberships: NAIS, NH League of Investigators, Association of Certified
Investigators, ACI, National Association of Bail Enforcement Agents, Member
Public Record Retriever Network .
From: Jonathan Sazonoff saz@kwom.com
Organization: SAZ PRODUCTIONS, INC.
Subject: September note - Brits, Feedback,Thieves, & an Antipope's Skull
Dear Subscribers,
Several quick items. First, it was a pleasure to read recent comments by Charles Hill of the insurance company AXA Nordstern Art. For those who don't know, Mr. Hill is one of the top British experts in the field of art recovery. He was formerly head of Scotland Yard's Art and Antique Squad as was Richard Ellis, who has also recently contributed to this mailing list. MSN has been drawing a very high caliber of subscriber and I thought it was worth mentioning.
Next, MSN does serve a wide variety of readers; the recent feedback has been fascinating. A subscriber wondered if thieves could benefit by reading MSN? Lots of different people subscribe, even I wonder if the Ashmolean's Cezanne thief reads these pages. Although such a thrill seeker / thief was inspired by the movies, I don't think MSN gave them any operational edge.
Most of MSN's security commentary comes from professionals who would never intentionally reveal confidential information on -line. If thieves read these pages, they might realize just how hot their stolen items are. They could also read about criminals whose lives were ruined or even terminated due to involvement in the illicit trade of art and antiquities. Aside from the pain of trial and imprisonment, thieves can also be reminded that they still execute antiquities smugglers in China!
Finally, if you missed it, this is the sort of esoteric material that I enjoy reading on MSN. If you need to make conversation at a cocktail party:
Stolen Skull of Spanish Antipope Recovered
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20000913/od/skull_dc_1.html
Hope you find this of interest.
Jonathan Sazonoff
Saz Productions, Inc.
http://www.saztv.com
Contributing US Ed
Museum Security Network
http://www.museum-security.org
Fake or illicit trade
From: "pcombs@tiac.net" pcombs@landryauctions.com
To: "Museum Security Network" securma@xs4all.nl
Subject: Fw: precolumbian
Date sent: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 09:27:02 -0500
After reading you various "pieces" on stolen South and Central American art, attached is a sampling of the types of things we get all the time from people trying to sell things. We replied to this gentleman that we don't sell thee types of wares for reasons of ownership, authenticity etc..
Several of these look quite good, probably recently dug, and so on.
Keep up the good work, we enjoy your Emails.
Thank you,
Peter Combs
Landry Auctioneers & Appraisers
164 Main Street/P.O. Box 306
Essex, Massachusetts 01929
978 768 6233
http://www.landryauctions.com
----- Original Message -----
From: kmtrouble2
To: info@landryauctions.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2000 6:59 PM
Subject: precolumbian
interested in auctioing a few pieces,attached are some of my collection.if interested please guide me,so that we may do business
thanks
mario
images of the objects offered for sale and refused by Landry Auctions are avalaible on line at:
http://www.museumsecurity.org/precolumbian
Date sent: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 22:35:28 -0400
From: jack sull jacksull@mindspring.com
Subject: [Fire Safe Heritage]: Fire Closes Hamline University Library
Thursday September 14 08:13 AM EDT
Fire Closes Hamline University Library
Investigators Unsure Of Cause Of Blaze A fire at Hamline University in St. Paul forced the evacuation of dozens of students. Investigators said that the blaze began in the University's basement television studio about 11 p.m. Although students were forced to leave the library area, no one was reported injured. The library will remain closed Thursday while crews clean up and ventilate the area. "I think everybody was out before the smoke actually built up in the library," student Leslie Kandaras said. St. Paul deputy fire chief Timothy Verros said that there was heavy smoke damage and that the cause is under investigation.
From: cc.tpa@tiscalinet.it
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 16:13:00 +0200
To: Museum Security Network securma@xs4all.nl
Subject: Re: MSN subscribers: I need your feedback
Dear Ton Cremers,
You are doing a great job, in my opinion you should continue, probably you don't realize how precius and valuable are your battles against the illicit trade!
If the intention of the MSN is security you are fully accomplishing your task, because the looting of archeological areas is a serius problem, as we could consider archeological sites as well as open air museums, and I don't really understand what is all this fuss about provenance, if an object has a legal evidence of property the holder shouldn't worry. There is a huge difference if somebody acquire a work of art without even asking where it comes from - like archeological objects, which the legal provenance is very difficult to prove, because means nothing that a piece has been sold to different people for several times - the origin of the object with a written statement or historical research should be the real evidence, no others!
I am concern with the fact that people complaining are somehow involved in the art market and are not really interested in arts for cultural reason.
Please don't give up, because I feel more confident if you are around rising up security problems of this kind, which the knowledge can be really useful for people who seriusly work in the field for the protection of our cultural heritage!!
I wish you a great success with your initiative.
Best Regards
Nicola Erriquez
From: "Zabolotniuk, Susan" Susanz@treasury.ubc.ca
Subject: RE: MSN subscribers: I need your feedback
Hi Ton.
I'm a risk manager at a large Canadian university with a primary focus on cultural property protection. I read the MSN emails with great interest and, when necessary, disseminate information to colleagues. Presenting information to a wide and varied audience is a daunting task, and I appreciate your excellent efforts in this regard. I accept that not every story is relevant to my job, but it is with great ease that I skim or entirely skip stories that are not relevant. For each story like this, however, there is another that not only interests me, but educates me as well. Surely this applies to all MSN subscribers.
I would be disappointed to think that subscribers aren't interested in learning about, or simply gaining a greater understanding of, topical stories affecting the protection of cultural property, although I appreciate that people are very busy. While I may not read every story in its entirety, I know that, by its presence on the MSN, the issue may eventually affect how I do my job. I would suggest that those individuals troubled by the apparent irrelevance of certain topics consider that it may one day affect the performance of their job.
Respectfully,
Susan Zabolotniuk, BA, FRM
Date sent: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 14:34:53 -0400
To: Ton Cremers TonCremers@museum-security.org
From: "Elizabeth E. Fuller" eefuller@rosenbach.org
Subject: Re: Request for feedback
Dear Ton:
It seems that the MSN list and Web site have really expanded their scope from museum security to the wider field of cultural property protection. Both need the kind of excellent service you can provide. However, I think the time has come to do some subdivision. Here's my suggestion:
1) Rename MSN to something like Cultural Property Protection Network
2) Have two lists, one more tightly focused on museum security (which would appropriately include protection of archaeological sites) and another for issues of provenance, repatriation, and the other issues that Tim Bonow has appropriately described as more related to collections management. Of course, cross-posting may sometimes be appropriate (as in the case of theft notices, which ought to be as widely distributed as possible), and there will be many people who will want to subscribe to both. Still, I think there are enough people who really need to see only one or the other to make the division worthwhile.
3) Consider some type of restriction on access to the security list (not the other). This would address some of the concerns expressed from time to time about the who may be able to read some of our technical discussions. The Library Security Officers' list requires subscribers to submit by mail a letter from the director of their institution certifying that they are the library's designated security officer. You might require people to submit either similar letters from employers (institutions or security-related commercial firms), or proof of membership in an appropriate professional organization.
I know how hard you work in moderating one list and maintaining the entire site, and realize this would put an added burden on you. Perhaps you could find someone to just act as moderator for one or the other of the lists, while you continue your good work at the head of it all.
With appreciation,
Elizabeth E. Fuller, Librarian Phone: (215) 732-1600 ext. 15
Rosenbach Museum & Library Fax: (215) 545-7529
2010 DeLancey Place eefuller@rosenbach.org
Philadelphia, PA 19103 http://www.rosenbach.org
++++++++++
Hello Elizabeth,
Thank you very much for these suggestions. It did cross my mind to make separate lists. The security input is very limited. That is why I started almost four years ago to disseminate information about incidents with cultural property. If the list was restricted to security matters only, I am afraid this would become a too inactive endeavor to remain interesting. Depending on future developments I still might consider to follow your suggestions.
Ton
++++++++++
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 09:50:32 -0500
From: rgvmuse rgvmuse@HILINE.NET
To: Museum Security Network securma@xs4all.nl
Subject: Re: MSN subscribers: I need your feedback
tom,
as a lurker i learn much and keep current by reading the info you (as moderator) pass along. i do think that if mr. van Rijn (or anyone else) wants to continue posting on a topic that only new info be listed, not copy previously posted materials. or perhaps if there is a lot of comparable material on a topic, like fed. appointees, then post some and say something like "additional materials avail. at ...." and then give web link. i think your "service" is very useful and appreciate all your time and efforts.
linn keller
From: newsletter@theartnewspaper.com
Date sent: Fri, 15 Sep 00 20:29:45 W. Europe Daylight Time
To: "info@artcrime.ws"info@artcrime.ws
Subject: WILDENSTEIN REVEAL KEY DOCUMENTS ON ALLEGED WAR LOOT
The Art Newspaper.com
http://www.theartnewspaper.com
This week's top stories:
WILDENSTEIN REVEAL KEY DOCUMENTS ON ALLEGED WAR LOOT LONDON. The Wildenstein family is rejecting legal claims from the descendants of the Parisian art collector Alphonse Kann for the return of seven illuminated manuscripts which were looted by the Nazis. Three of these disputed manuscripts have been bought by the British dealer, Sam Fogg. http://www.allemandi.com/TAN/news/article.asp?idart=3118
THE GETTY: A MANDATE TO COLLECT AGGRESSIVELY LOS ANGELES. After the opening of its billion-dollar headquarters in 1997, the J. Paul Getty Trust seems to have maintained a low profile. Its acquisitions have made few headlines, several of its appendages have quietly been closed, and its Richard Meier building was upstaged by Frank Gehry half-way across the world in Bilbao, Spain. http://www.allemandi.com/TAN/news/article.asp?idart=3117
PHILLIPSÆ NEW HEAVYWEIGHTS LONDON. Phillips have announced the six new ôinternational heavyweightsö for their non-executive board of directors. The appointments have been expected ever since Lord Powell was appointed Chairman of Phillips in April, with a brief to put together a board from the business and arts world to bolster PhillipsÆ profile in the international art market. http://www.allemandi.com/TAN/news/article.asp?idart=3116
THE TAIPEI AND SEOUL BIENNIALS: VIDEO SENSATIONS HONG KONG. Two new biennial exhibitions opened in Asia last month, Media City Seoul and the Taipei Biennial (the Taipei show had one previous, much less ambitious, incarnation). Superficially, Media City Seoul is the more ambitious, concentrating on art and technology in shrewd synergy with KoreaÆs rising IT profile. The Taipei Biennial, in contrast, was less audacious in scope but managed to be more genuinely daring. http://www.allemandi.com/TAN/news/article.asp?idart=3115
BRITISH NATIONAL TRUST TO CATALOGUE ITS BOOK COLLECTIONS LONDON. The National Trust is embarking on an ambitious project to survey and catalogue its book collections, which comprise 500,000 volumes scattered across 150 stately houses.
http://www.allemandi.com/TAN/news/article.asp?idart=3114
ONLINE ART SALES: EYECATCHING LONDON. A highly imaginative and ambitious advertising campaign, calculated to bring wider brand name recognition for its prints and multiples business, has been launched by eyestorm, the catchily titled on-line gallery which went live at the end of last year. http://www.allemandi.com/TAN/news/article.asp?idart=3113
CAN TATE BRITAINÆS NEW GALLERIES BRING THE VISITORS BACK? LONDON. The flood at the construction site at Tate Britain in London which caused extensive damage on Easter Sunday is now expected to delay next yearÆs opening of the new galleries by six months. http://www.allemandi.com/TAN/news/article.asp?idart=3112
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