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Mass resignation of Ben Uri Gallery International Advisory Panel as it sells key Jewish artworks

Members including ex-Tate director Sir Nicholas Serota called the decision to sell off key works from the collection 'a grave mistake'

November 21, 2018 09:25
David Bomberg's "Mount Zion with the Church of the Dormition: Moonlight", one of the works sold at Sotheby's on Tuesday night
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Eleven members of the International Advisory Panel of the Ben Uri gallery have resigned in response to the institution selling off major Jewish artworks, calling it “a grave mistake.”

In a joint statement, the members, including former director of the Tate Galleries Sir Nicholas Serota, and Bruce Boucher, director of Sir John Soane’s Museum, said the works “make up the very heart of the Ben Uri Collection" and their sale "will undermine the ability of the trustees to secure future gifts and a future home for the Collection”.

As reported by the JC, the Ben Uri gallery, which was founded to showcase Jewish artists' work, plans to sell around 700 works of art, as part of efforts to rededicate itself to the art of immigrants of all faiths and nationalities.

Among the works being sold are pieces by Mark Gertler and David Bomberg. Five by the latter were auctioned off at Sothebys on Tuesday night. Four were sold, for a combined total of more than £1 million.

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