£1.5m in historic treasures saved for nation

Cultural treasures valued at £1.5 million have been saved for the nation in the past year, it was announced today.

Export bans were imposed to prevent 25 items leaving Britain to allow further time to buy them for museums and libraries.

Details of the works were published today by the reviewing committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

They include: the journal and charts of 17th century English naval explorer Sir John Narbrough; a bust of English art collector Charles Townley by Joseph Nollekens; and nine dresses from French couturier Madeleine Vionnet.