Art crime: the myth vs the reality
Weekend-long art history and theory course
28 March 2020 10am - 5pm29 March 2020 10am - 5pm
Wolfson British Academy Room, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and wine reception at the end of day one.
Terms and conditions
Join us for a weekend-long course delving into the gripping world of art crime from looting and theft to forgery and vandalism, and learn from experts what really goes on beyond the media.
Through the wide-ranging practical experience of guest speakers, this course will introduce participants to the different forms of crime against art and will provide an understanding of the reality behind the stories covered in the news and media.
From The Adventures of Indiana Jones to The Monuments Men, art crime is a source of constant intrigue in the public eye. But how accurate is this image? How does art crime really affect artists, collectors, institutions and the market today? How do you track down stolen and looted art, and what happens when stolen works resurface? These are some of the questions and more to be tackled throughout this weekend course, using real case studies to help you separate the myth from reality.
Delivered primarily in lectures, attendees will also be introduced to research tools that aid the detecting of works with a problematic past, concluding with a practical exercise that will allow everyone to put what they’ve learned to use.
This course is held in the historic setting of the Wolfson British Academy Room, where you will enjoy an intimate and friendly setting. The course is designed to provide a historical overview of a fascinating topic, for both those new to the field or wishing to delve deeper.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact academicprogrammes@royalacademy.org.uk.
About the Course Leaders
James Ratcliffe is General Counsel at the Art Loss Register (ALR) and leads their recoveries team, who are working on the recovery of hundreds of artworks each year. James trained as an archaeologist before qualifying as a solicitor. Having worked as a litigator in private practice in London for several years he then joined the ALR in 2013. As a trained mediator James focuses on the resolution of claims with recourse to the courts.
Amelie Ebbinghaus is a provenance researcher at the Art Loss Register (ALR) and manages their German-speaking clients. Her focus is on research and restitution of Nazi-looted art. Amelie trained as a lawyer in Germany and worked in Intellectual Property litigation in Berlin and Hamburg for several years. She also studied art history and completed an MSc in Art, Law and Business before joining the ALR in 2016.
Sandy has held positions as Director of the National Portrait Gallery, deputy director at Tate, as well as for the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Arts Council. He is currently Trustee of the Courtauld Collection and the National Trust, and in 2011 published Art Theft and the Case of the Stolen Turners.
Our courses and classes programme
Our varied programme of short courses and classes provides an opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of exhibitions and arts management, led by expert tutors and practising artists. These courses introduce traditional art-making processes, as well as perspectives on art history, theory and business.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact the Academic Programmes Team, by calling 020 7300 5641 or email academicprogrammes@royalacademy.org.uk