Export of Objects of Cultural Interest 2022-23

This report details the diverse and varied range of objects considered by the Committee and recommended to the Government as national treasures this year. The variety of the collection showcases that stories and artefacts which represent diverse histories are more sought after than ever before and as a result of action taken this year, these will now be on display across the UK.

Examples detailed in this report include:

• The pre-Raphaelite painting by Rebecca Solomon entitled A Young Teacher, has been jointly acquired by Tate and Museum of the Home. As well as the subject of the piece providing a unique reflection on issues of gender, race and education, the painting is of outstanding significance to the study of the history of women artists and Jewish art in 19^th Century Britain.
• The only Victoria Cross awarded to a member of the RAF for their service in the Far East in the Second World War. This, alongside a set of four other medals, were acquired by the Royal Airforce Museum and will contribute to research into an overlooked British campaign during the Second World War.

Also included in the report is the National Portrait Gallery’s successful acquisition of The Portrait of Mai (Omai) by Sir Joshua Reynolds in a partnership with the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, USA and that Compton Verney acquired The Portrait of Two Ladies, English School, circa 1650.