Voice of Commonwealth

A temporary halt of innings for The Cricketers

Temporary export bar placed on £1.2 Mn 18th century painting by Benjamin West

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By Savithri Rodrigo

(Commonwealth Union)_The iconic painting by Benjamin West – The Cricketers – which is regarded as one of the most important works of the 1750s is at risk of having to leave the UK, widely considered to be the country that first put bat to ball, spurring hundreds of innings across the globe.  A temporary export bar has been placed on the painting to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the painting, which has elicited much interest abroad, especially among art connoisseurs in America. The painting depicts Americans with cricket bats probably in Kew.

The painting is of Ralph Izard & friends, five wealthy Americans playing cricket while studying in the UK in the 1700s. It also illustrates the evolution of the sport from a rustic game to one played by the aristocracy in the 1750s. West is renowned for painting, The Death of Nelson, the oil on canvas showing Lord Nelson, the great British naval hero on the deck of his ship Victory, at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The decision made by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest was made on the grounds that the painting is of outstanding significance to the study of the 18th century.  The Committee noted that while the painting came at a crucial period during the development of cricket into an elite sport, it was also a rare depiction of an early game of cricket.  “It is a conversation piece,” said Committee Member Professor Mark Hallett, “commonly commissioned by British aristocrats but the format has been repurposed to fit a group of wealthy American friends studying in Britain.”

It’s one of the very first paintings produced by West in his mid-twenties when he arrived in London, who later had much career fame, becoming the second President of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1792.

Arts Minister Stuart Andrew noted that while this fascinating painting shows the early development of one of the most loved games. “I hope a buyer comes forward to save the work for the nation so we can give it another innings in the UK,” he said.

The decision on the export license application for the painting will be deferred until 13th April 2023.  After the first deferral period, owners will have a consideration period of 15 business days to consider any purchase offers at the recommended price of £1,215,000. The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.

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