It has long been the view in the UK that national museums are restricted by law from repatriating collection objects. But will legislation passed three years ago, the Charities Act 2022, point the way ahead? National museums like the British Museum are generally prohibited by their governing Acts from ‘disposing’ of objects from their collections, including for the purposes of repatriation. For the most part, these statutes allow for disposals for duplicates and, in certain situations, objects considered unfit or unsuitable for retention, or objects rendered useless due to damage, deterioration or infestation … (more)
[Hugh Johnson-Gilbert and Alexander Herman, Institute of Art & Law, 22 September 2025]
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