Export licence deferred in hope historic manuscript remains in UK
extremely rare and there are no other copies of the text in the UK.
The text tells the story of a crusading knight, based on Gilles I (1134-61), Lord of Trazegnies, and his relative Gilles le Brun (1199 -1276), who was a champion of the first Crusade of St Louis. Whilst the author is unknown, the book was commissioned by the renowned bibliophile Louis of Gruuthuse, and of Culture Minister Ed Vaizey the more than two hundred took the decision to defer manuscripts remaining from granting an export licence for the manuscript following his impressive library, this manuscript is arguably the a recommendation by the finest artistically. Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art Lavishly illustrated, the and Objects of Cultural manuscript includes eight Interest (RCEWA), on the grounds of the manuscript’s half-page miniatures with painted borders and fortyaesthetic importance and it’s outstanding significance four historiated initials, all for the study of illuminated by Lieven Van Lathem (fl. 1454-93), one of the most manuscripts and of 15th successful painters in the century Netherlandish Low Countries during this secular art. period. The manuscript is
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: “This stunning manuscript is an exquisite example of Flemish illumination and it would be wonderful if the extra time granted by the export allows a buyer to come forward and ensure it remains in a UK collection.”
The finest surviving copy of the 15th century romance Gillion de Trazegnies, has had a temporary export bar placed on it to provide a last chance to raise the £3,849,250 needed to keep the manuscript in the UK.
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The decision on the export licence application for the manuscript will be deferred for a period ending on 3 July 2013 inclusive. This period may be extended until 3 November 2013 inclusive if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase the manuscript at the recommended price of £3,849,250. Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private
treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by Mr Vaizey. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item.