The UK Government has taken decisive action to ensure that a remarkable bust of Prince Edward of Woodstock, more commonly referred to as The Black Prince, remains within the country. This intervention aims to provide time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire this significant piece of national heritage.
Edward, who lived from 1330 to 1376, is revered as a formidable military leader from the medieval period, particularly during The Hundred Years War. As the son of King Edward III of England, he achieved notable victories, including the pivotal Battle of Poitiers in 1356. His moniker, The Black Prince, is believed to have originated from the distinctive colour of his armour.
The Importance of the Bust
This bust is part of a series of 18th-century representations of Edward, which have significantly influenced the image of him throughout history. Since its creation nearly three centuries ago, this sculpture has become an iconic representation of The Black Prince, widely reproduced and recognised as a definitive likeness of this important historical figure.
To preserve this artwork for public access in the UK, the government has implemented a temporary export ban on the sculpture. This moratorium allows museums and galleries the opportunity to gather the necessary funds to procure the bust, either through philanthropic donations or by encouraging private collectors to purchase and donate it to the nation.
The Creator Behind the Sculpture
Crafted around 1735, the bust is the work of the esteemed Flemish sculptor Michael Rysbrack, who gained prominence in England for his portrait busts and architectural decorations. Rysbrack’s contributions to the art of sculpture are well-regarded, particularly for his ability to encapsulate the essence of his subjects.
Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross expressed her admiration for the sculpture, stating, “This striking sculpture of Edward the Black Prince still defines how we imagine this legendary figure in British history. For nearly three hundred years, it has shaped how we tell the story of our medieval history, and I hope that in a public gallery in the UK it can tell that story much more powerfully for many more years to come.”
A Historic Collaboration
Stuart Lochhead, a member of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), emphasised the significance of Rysbrack’s work. He noted that the bust served a distinct purpose for Georgian patrons and the royal court, aligning themselves with a lineage of English kingship and chivalric ideals. As one of the finest and earliest examples of its genre, its potential departure from the UK would represent a substantial loss to both scholarship and the understanding of Georgian society.
The decision to defer the export licence application for the bust comes after careful consideration and is based on its outstanding connection to British history and culture, as well as its significance to the study of 18th-century sculpture, political propaganda, and royal patronage.
Future Prospects for the Bust
The initial deferral period for the export licence will conclude on 5 February 2027, during which time expressions of interest from potential buyers will be encouraged. After this period, the owners will have a 15-business-day window to consider any offers at the recommended price of £496,044.51, plus VAT. A subsequent four-month deferral period will follow the signing of an Option Agreement.
The RCEWA, which is an independent advisory body supported by Arts Council England, evaluates whether cultural objects intended for export hold national significance based on specific criteria. This assessment is critical in determining the fate of such important works of art within the UK.