http://museum-security.org/
securma@xs4all.nl
SITE MAP
September 23, 1999
CONTENTS:
- RE: Interpol CD and comments on rewards (Lyle Grindle, Gardner Museum)
- Interpol CD Rom, Interpol Washington supports putting the art database onto the Internet, which would be much more effective in disseminating information (Angela M. Meadows, Cultural Property Program Manager Interpol Washington)
- Bid to Bar Return of Paintings Fails
- sketches stolen from an art gallery almost 40 years ago have been recovered by police
- NY Gallery Owner in French Court; where is Christie's in all of this or have they "washed their hands" (Donald Taglialatella)
From: Lyle Grindle LGrindle@isgm.org
Subject: RE: Interpol CD and comments on rewards (Lyle Grindle, Gardner Museum)
From Lyle Grindle CPP
Dir. of Protective Services Gardner Museum
Re: comments on rewards.
A lot of museums have paid handsomely for the return of stolen art. Many others would have paid had the funds been available to pay for their returns. In our particular case there was a great deal of discussion as to the ethical repercussions, the impact on other museums in like situations, and the impact it has on fund raising and memberships. I have seen much said on this subject but few have mentioned the legal questions that are generated when such a reward is offered. I will tell you that it is an enormous tangled web. There are many many other problems that this also creates. A reward is often only an invitation to barter. Private collectors and insurance companies have been paying for the return of stolen art for years. There are no definitive answers to this very complex issue but it does make for some very interesting discussion.
Lyle Grindle CPP
From: "Meadows, Angela" Angela.Meadows3@usdoj.gov
Subject: Interpol CD Rom
It is with interest that I have read the various reactions to the Interpol Secretariat General's production and distribution of the CD Rom on works of art. There are a few clarifications that I would like to make in regard to Virginia Curry's latest message.
1. Interpol Washington is not "pushing" this CD Rom nor did we initiate the concept. Our office actually supports putting the art database onto the Internet, which would be much more effective in disseminating information. This would also provide a mechanism for an audit trail. This decision will be undertaken at our upcoming art symposium in Lyon in October.
2. Interpol Ottawa disbanded their art program two years ago; therefore, they also could not be "pushing" the CD Rom. (There is hope however that they will soon restore the program).
3. In regard to the database being very slow and that it is behind six months, I believe Virginia is talking about the actual art notice that we disseminate and not the database entry. This is done within a few days of the receipt of the information both here in Washington and at our headquarters. Additionally, I have direct access into the art database at our headquarters and receive a query response from them within minutes.
Unfortunately Virginia was reassigned from art investigations over a year ago and does not appear to be up-to-date on Interpol.
I think it is also important to point out that the CD Rom is of the Interpol Secretariat General's database only (items which have been reported by the member Interpol countries to the Interpol Secretariat General). It is obviously not inclusive of the databases that are maintained by the Interpol offices in France, Belgium, Germany, United States, etc. All these countries maintain their own databases with their own information (some obviously overlapping). Discussions are currently underway to interface these existing police databases.
In regard to the comments by Robin Rogers, he is quite correct that we, like the FBI, are not able to conduct art database checks for non-law enforcement entities. This is based on the congressional mandate for our agency. This does not mean however that Interpol can't help you if you have suspicions on the provenance of an item. We have liaision offices within each state (usually the state police office) that you can contact and request that they conduct an enquiry with our office or any of the other Interpol offices on your behalf (if you need a contact number for a particular state, just send me an email request).
Angela M. Meadows
Cultural Property Program Manager
Interpol Washington
http://www.lawnewsnetwork.com/stories/A6207-1999Sep21.html Bid to Bar Return of Paintings Fails
The Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that Manhattan prosecutors, investigating art thefts by the Nazis, cannot prevent The Museum of Modern Art from returning two paintings to an Austrian foundation until the criminal investigation into their ownership is completed.
full story at:
http://www.lawnewsnetwork.com/stories/A6207-1999Sep21.html
STOLEN SKETCHES RECOVERED AFTER 40 YEARS
221557 SEP 99
By Hugh Dougherty, PA News
Two sketches stolen from an art gallery almost 40 years ago have been recovered by police after a tip-off from an expert, it was revealed today. The drawings, by Walter Richard Sickert, one of Britain's leading artists this century, were taken from Aberdeen Art Gallery in June 1962, among other items. Today Grampian Police announced they had found the sketches at addresses in London and Suffolk after being tipped off by an art expert. "We received information that the sketches had appeared for sale in a catalogue nearly 40 years ago," said Detective Constable Nick Thom. "From there we were able to work forward and trace them. "This inquiry was interesting and fairly unusual as the crime had been committed nearly 40 years ago." The drawings - Large Tent, bought by the gallery in 1947, and La Gaiete Rochechouart, donated in 1952 - were handed over by police to curators at the gallery today and will go on display within the next few weeks. Lisa O'Connor, assistant keeper of fine art with Aberdeen City Council, said: "We hold in the collection an extensive set of works by Sickert - running to around 30 items - and the return of these sketches adds significantly to the collection. "Sickert is one of the most important artists of the 20th century." She added that security measures at the gallery had been transformed in the 37 years since the paintings were taken from an open display unit. Their value is believed to run into thousands of pounds, because of Sickert's standing in British 20th century art. The rest of the 100-strong haul of paintings taken in 1962 remains unaccounted for.
From: WorldHousG@aol.com
Subject: NY Gallery Owner in French Court (Where is Christie's in all of this or have they "washed their hands" )
Dear Ton,
It has been a pleasure receiving news from MSN. I think you are providing a great service to many people. Keep up the good work.
Although this is the first I have heard of Adam Williams of the Newhouse Galleries (22 September post) and his unfortunate legal situation with the French Government, I am truly disturbed. Where can I learn more about this case?
The Schloss Family deserves to have their picture returned to them, but at the expense of fining/jailing Mr. Williams? Has he refused to return the painting? Where is Christie's in all of this or have they "washed their hands" of the entire situation since their 7 year "guarantee" has expired? Christie's has just as much, if not more responsibility, to perform international searches for lost/stolen paintings prior to selling them. It costs a mere $50.00 US to perform an international database search with the Art Loss Register in New York--I do this even for contemporary, post-war secondary market works that I deal. Again Ton, where is Christie's responsibility in all of this?
I will reserve further judgement about the case until I have more knowledge of the facts but I believe the judicial system, both in the U.S. and abroad, is truly in a sad state.
With kindest regards,
Donald Taglialatella
World House Gallery
WorldHousG@aol.com
Main Indexpage