British authorities are taking steps to retain a significant artwork by the renowned artist Howard Hodgkin, as the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has enacted an export ban on his painting Mrs Acton in Delhi (1967-71). This decision comes in the wake of the painting's record sale at Bonhams in London last October, where it fetched an impressive £1.7 million (approximately $2.3 million).
The painting, which Hodgkin began shortly after his inaugural trip to India, reflects his deep connection to the country, a fascination that persisted throughout his life. Officials highlight that this piece marks a pivotal moment in Hodgkin's artistic evolution, transitioning from early Pop-art influences to the emotionally resonant abstraction that became his hallmark.
Mrs Acton in Delhi portrays the wife of British Council representative John Stewart Acton, depicted relaxing on a balcony with a view of New Delhi. This work not only stands out in Hodgkin's oeuvre but also symbolizes the cultural ties between Britain and India following India's independence. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest has identified this painting as meeting two of the three Waverley criteria, underscoring its aesthetic significance and its importance to the study of modern British art.
Mark Hallett, a committee member, emphasized the national importance of the artwork, stating, "It cries out to be kept for the nation." Prior to its recent auction, Mrs Acton in Delhi had changed ownership only twice, first from Kasmin Gallery to the J. Walter Thompson Collection, and then to the recent seller. The current owner has applied for an export license, prompting the government to intervene and seek a UK institution willing to acquire it at the auction price.
The export deferral is in effect until June 4, after which the owner will have 15 days to evaluate any offers. A spokesperson for the DCMS noted that they could not confirm whether any potential buyers have emerged yet. Should a museum express serious interest, a further deferral could extend the timeframe for fundraising efforts by another four months. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the reviewing committee.
This initiative mirrors a previous case involving Barbara Hepworth's Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red (1943), which was also prevented from leaving the UK after a successful auction. The Hepworth Wakefield museum, in collaboration with Art Fund, managed to raise the necessary funds to retain that significant piece within the country.