# Government blocks historic Black Prince sculpture from leaving Britain in £500,000 battle

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/government-blocks-historic-black-prince-sculpture-from-leaving-britain-in-500000-battle/
- Published: 2026-11-06T22:28:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T23:36:46+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Express (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2264037/government-blocks-historic-black-prince
- Topics: Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- The Black Prince bust faces a temporary export ban.
- Buyers have until 5 February 2027 to express interest.
- Its recommended price is nearly £500,000 plus VAT.

## Summary

The Government has temporarily blocked the export of a marble bust of Edward the Black Prince, giving UK museums and galleries time to try to buy it. The move aims to keep a sculpture regarded as significant to British history and eighteenth-century art in the country.

Created around 1735 by Flemish sculptor Michael Rysbrack, the bust depicts Edward of Woodstock, who lived from 1330 to 1376 and commanded English forces during the Hundred Years’ War. Institutions have until 5 February 2027 to express interest at a recommended price of £496,044.51 plus VAT; if a buyer is found, a further four-month delay may be granted, but otherwise export could be permitted.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.