spoliation advisory panel

The Panel resolves claims from people, or their heirs, who lost property during the Nazi era, which is now held in UK national collections.

The Panel is appointed by the Secretary of State. It considers both legal and non-legal obligations, such as the moral strength of the claimant’s case, and whether any moral obligation rests on the holding institution.

Its proceedings are an alternative to litigation, and its recommendations are not legally binding on any parties. However, if a claimant accepts the recommendation of the Panel, and the recommendation is implemented, the claimant is expected to accept this as full and final settlement of the claim.

Its reports are published below, and information about the panel itself is available in the right-hand column.

2010 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of an oil sketch by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, The Coronation of the Virgin, now in the possession of the Samuel Courtauld Trust

2010 - Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of a renewed claim by the Metropolitan Chapter of Benevento for the return of the Beneventan Missal now in the possession of the British Library

2009 – Report of the Spoliation Advisory Panel in respect of 8 drawings now in the possession of the Samuel Courtauld Trust

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