A temporary export ban has been implemented by the UK government on an 18th-century marble sculpture, an action aimed at preventing its sale to a foreign buyer. This remarkable bust represents Sir John Gordon, a prominent Highland landowner, and was crafted in 1728 by the renowned French artist Edmé Bouchardon. With an estimated market value of £3.1 million, this sculpture has become a focal point of contention.
Highland Council, the custodian of the bust, has suggested that selling it could generate essential funds for the community of Invergordon, a town established by the Gordon family. Culture Minister Baroness Twycross expressed hope that this "extraordinary" piece could find a home in a UK gallery or museum, emphasizing its cultural significance.
Sir John Gordon held considerable influence as both a politician and landowner, being instrumental in founding Invergordon. The bust, which once adorned Invergordon Castle, remarkably survived a devastating fire in the 19th century. In 1930, the local council purchased the sculpture for just £5, but it later languished in storage at an industrial estate, forgotten by many until its recent rediscovery.
Last year, the Invergordon Museum formally objected to Highland Council's application for an export license, which is necessary for overseas sales. According to a representative from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, this temporary export ban aligns with recommendations from the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA). The committee underscored the bust's "aesthetic importance" and its "outstanding significance" for studying 18th-century sculpture in Britain and Europe.
The decision regarding the export license will be postponed until April 8, allowing potential offers to be considered. A representative from the Invergordon Museum hailed the government’s action as a "vital victory" for both local and national heritage, expressing hopes to feature the bust in a new local facility. However, Highland Council refrained from commenting on the temporary export ban due to ongoing procedural matters.
