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spoliation advisory panel

It advises both the claimants and the institution where the object is held, as to what action may be taken. 

The Panel provides an alternative to legal action, aiming to achieve a solution that is fair and just to everyone involved. As it is not a legal body it is also able to take into account the moral issues of every case.

For further information on how the Spoliation Panel operates, and the kinds of advice it provides, read:

• Spoliation Advisory Panel - Rules of Procedure PDF (42kb)
• Spoliation Advisory Panel - Constitution and Terms of Reference PDF (47kb)
• Spoliation Advisory Panel - Functions and Procedures of the Secretariat and Legal Advisers PDF (44kb)
• Spoliation Advisory Panel - Biographies PDF (44kb)

Spoliation Advisory Panel reports
For details of claims and the recommendations made by the Spoliation Panel, read some of the reports:

• 2008 - Spoliation Advisory Panel rules that two fine pieces of porcelain - acquired in good faith by the British Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum - were looted during the Nazi era
• 2007 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of three Rubens Paintings now in the possession of the Courtauld Institute of Art, London
• 2007 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in Respect of three Drawings now in the Possession of the Courtauld Institute of Art
• 2006 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of four drawings now in the possession of the British Museum 
• 2006 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of a painting held by the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford
• 2005 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of a 12th century manuscript now in the possession of the British Library
• 2004 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of a painting now in possession of Glasgow City Council
• 2001 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of a painting now in the possession of the Tate Gallery

Consultation on Restitution of Objects Spoliated in the Nazi-Era

In July 2006 we held an consultation on Restitution of Objects Spoliated in the Nazi-Era inviting opinions on whether the restrictions that prevent national museums from removing works of art in their collections should be lifted to allow items lost during the Nazi era to be returned to their owners.

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