Anglo-Russian Tensions Threaten Exhibition at Royal Academy of Arts

Continuing diplomatic tensions between the UK and Russia could prevent the Royal Academy of Art’s much anticipated exhibition, From Russia: French and Russian Master Paintings 1870-1925, from going ahead with all the masterpieces it had expected.

The Russian Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography has not yet issued export licences requires to move the works out of the country, for fear that there could be legal challenges to their ownership once in the UK.

No changes to the exhibition have yet been announced by the Royal Academy of Arts, and a decision by the Russian Federal Agency is expected imminently. The 13 week exhibition is due to open at the Royal Academy, based in Burlington House, in January 2008, with the opening being attended by Gordon Brown and President Putin.

More info: Royal Academy show in doubt as Russia withdraws artworks