Did you know that the first deferral period of the Bouchardon bust sale ends in only 14 days, on 8 April inclusive? This first deferral period is to allow a UK institution or individual to manifest their interest in purchasing the bust. 

If no interest is manifested, it is my understanding that the ban will be lifted and the sale can move forward. This means that the bust could conceivably be sold in as little as two weeks!

If such interest is manifested, the next deadline is much shorter: 29 April, by my calculation.

The UK's Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest state that "at the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the bust."

The recommended price of the bust is £3,135,090 (plus VAT of £620,000 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution). This price includes the cost of producing a replica of the bust.

Finally, there is the possibility of a second deferral period. The Owner can decide to sign an Option Agreement, of a defined duration, to allow the UK institution or individual to raise the required funding. As the Highland Council are Trustees, and not the owner, this does raise the issue, in my opinion, of their legitimacy to sign such an agreement.

The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for five months. This would mean that we have until end September 2026 to save the bust.

If anyone has further expertise on this question or if I have misunderstood this legal process, please do get in touch.