London borough faces legal action over plans to sell Ming Dynasty collection

A London borough is facing judicial review proceedings over plans to sell a collection of Ming Dynasty porcelain.

The sale of 24 items from the Riesco Collection is expected to raise up to £14m for Croydon Council if it goes ahead next month.

However, an application for judicial review of the council’s decision has been made by Charlotte Davies.

A spokesman for Croydon said the council had been notified of Davies’ application and would “be robustly opposing it”.

The spokesman added: “The applicant is also seeking a protective costs order which, if granted, could mean no costs would be payable by her regardless of the outcome.
 
"As we have stated all along, we are acting in exceptional circumstances for the benefit of Croydon's cultural future."

Davies told YourLocalGuardian.co.uk that the local authority had failed to comply with industry guidelines or its own.

Croydon bought the Riesco Collection in 1964 when local collector Raymond Riesco died.

An online petition aimed at stopping the sale says: “Croydon's priceless collection of Ming Dynasty porcelain is at risk from cultural vandalism. These pieces are a real asset to the borough and should be cherished for the benefit of all.

“Selling them off to chase a quick buck is short sighted and will cause many residents in the borough to feel horrified.”

When Tower Hamlets Council announced plans last year to sell Draped Seated Woman, a £17m Henry Moore sculpture on loan to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the decision was challenged by Bromley Council and the Arts Fund.

Bromley disputed Tower Hamlets' ownership of 'Old Flo' – as the sculpture is known. 

According to a report by the Museums Association this week, Tower Hamlets is working with auction house Christies on a revised timetable for the sale. However, Bromley still asserts that ownership of the sculpture transferred to it, and not Tower Hamlets, on the dissolution of the Greater London Council.