Monuments Men on the NewsHour
NewsHour last week devoted a segment to Robert Edsel's new book, "The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History."  Here's the video: Questions or Comments? Email me at derek.fincham@gmail.com

German Court Orders Repatriation of Gold vessel to Iraq
Lucian Harris, for the Art Newspaper, reports on the claims by Iraq to a miniature gold vessel: The case, which has focused attention on the sale of smuggled Iraqi artifacts in Germany, began late in 2004 when the slightly dented six-centimetre-high gold vessel was included in a sale at Munich auction house Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, described as being of Mediterranean origin, possibly from Troy and dated to the Roman Iron-age period (1st century AD). However, the vessel was spotted by an unnamed expert who believed that it was in fact much ol

Reactions to the Culture Forum at LSE
I recommend Tom Flynn's comprehensive overview of the cultural panel which took place Tuesday at LSE. It sounds like it was much of the same kinds of polite disagreements which these kinds of events typically produce.  Here's a flavor of Tom's reaction: Cuno's highly political presentation — which, paradoxically, sought to criticize what he saw as the politicisation of culture by source nations — was followed by a few short comments from Tatiana Flessas. Professor Flessas sought to point out that many encyclop

Terrific Event on Culture at LSE on Tuesday
Those of you in and around London should strongly consider attending "Who owns culture?" on Tuesday Nov. 17th. The strong panel will include Dr James Cuno, Dr Maurice Davies, Dr Tatiana Flessas, and Dr Tiffany Jenkins.  These are some prominent folks, and they should present some interesting different opinions.  I'd be very keen if any folks who attend would send me any impressions of the event. Here are the details: Who owns culture? Tuesday 17 November, 6.30pm until 8.00pm, London School of Economics Satellite Events

Holocaust (Stolen Art) Restitution Act takes effect
New legislation which took effect on Friday will allow national museums in England and Scotland to act to return works of art, based on the recommendations of the Spoliation Advisory Panel.  The panel resolves claims arising from the loss of objects to the Nazis.  There have been nine instances of wrongful takings in which claimants were compensated, yet the national institutions have been forbidden from returning objects outright.  The only remedy was payment.  This is a welcome change, and allows UK museums to do the just thing.  Andrew Dismore, MP sponsored the act, and said: It shows what could be achieved by a determined backb