Are the Russians coming?

A landmark exhibition of Russian-held art planned for London was at the centre of a growing international row today.

The show at the Royal Academy of Arts appeared to be on the verge of cancellation after Rus-sian authorities refused to grant an export licence for works held by the country's leading galleries.

The 120 masterpieces from four top galleries and museums include rare works by Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso that have rarely been seen outside Russia.

They were due to go on show here next month but the Russians are blocking export licences.

Moscow fears some works may be seized by families who claim they were looted during the 1917 revolution - and is accusing Britain of not guaranteeing that there would be no legal action.

But today the Department of Culture Media and Sport said the Russians have not officially notified them of any trouble.

A spokesman said: "We have had no notification that the Russian galleries intend to change their plans to loan works.

"The Government has done everything possible to facilitate the exhibition going ahead, including full assurances that the works would be protected from seizure.

"We have also underwritten the collection against loss or damage to the value of nearly £900 million."

The Royal Academy now faces losing £5 million in ticket sales and merchandising revenue.

Confirming the Russian move, Zinaida Bonami, of Moscow's Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, said the Russian federal cultural agency notified them on Tuesday that it would not issue an export license for the works, which include The Dance by Matisse and Maternity by Gaugin.

The State Hermitage museum, the Russian Museum and the Tretyakov gallery were also denied licences, she said.

Ms Bonami said officials were worried British law did not protect against artworks being seized by law suits or court decisions.