Why is Woburn Abbey selling a £9m painting?

The painting is being sold to fund the extensive seven-year renovation and conservation project for Woburn Abbey.

What is the 'Landscape with Rural Dance' painting?

It is a renowned artwork by French artist Claude Lorrain, painted around 1640, considered one of his most ambitious pieces.

Has the painting been exported from the UK?

A temporary export ban has been placed on the painting to allow UK institutions time to acquire it for the nation.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Stately Home Sells £9m Masterpiece for Renovation

Stately Home Sells £9m Masterpiece for Renovation

20 Jan

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Summary

A £9m painting is for sale to fund Woburn Abbey's extensive seven-year renovation.
An export ban was placed on the artwork to allow UK institutions to acquire it.
The painting, Landscape with Rural Dance by Claude Lorrain, dates to circa 1640.

Stately Home Sells £9m Masterpiece for Renovation

A £9 million painting by Claude Lorrain, "Landscape with Rural Dance," is up for sale by The Bedford Estates to fund a significant seven-year renovation of Woburn Abbey. The French artist's work, created in Rome circa 1640, has been placed under a temporary export ban.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport initiated the ban to provide an opportunity for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the painting for the nation. The funds from the sale are designated for the extensive refurbishment and conservation of the historic stately home, which has been closed since 2019.

The renovation project, initially intended to rebuild screen walls and refurbish visitor routes, encountered unforeseen issues like roof damage. While the work has taken longer than expected, it is nearing completion. The painting, considered one of Lorrain's most ambitious pieces, has been in the UK for over 250 years.