Roo Export Ban

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has announced a temporary export ban on two oil paintings by George Stubbs, one showing a kangaroo, the other a dingo. These paintings, first shown at the Royal Academy in 1773, are of historic importance because they introduced the London elite to these Australian animals. Above is The Kongouro From New Holland and below is Portrait of a Large Dog.

The export ban will remain in place until 5 August. It can be extended until 5 November if there is a serious attempt to raise the £5.5m needed to buy the paintings (CLICK).