LONDON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Britain's arts minister Helen Whately placed an export bar Friday on a set of 18th century botanical drawings valued at 2.5 million pounds (3.26 million U.S. dollars).
Experts say the works, which contain hand painted early depictions of indigenous plants, birds and animals, are among the finest examples of botanical drawing in existence.
The works, "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands" and "A Commonplace Book", were completed in the mid 1700s and are now at risk of being lost abroad unless a British buyer can be found. The works were owned by Peter Collinson, a critical figure in British natural history.
"The intricate drawings in this collection offer us a special insight into how new discoveries and images of plants and animals in far off lands were shared before the advent of modern technology," Whately, parliamentary under secretary of state (minister for arts, heritage and tourism), told the press.
"This collection is a hugely important resource for future generations and I hope that a buyer can be found so these works can be saved for the nation," she said.
The minister's decision follows the advice of an independent art reviewing committee which highlighted the collection's historical importance and outstanding significance for the study of the history of science and the natural world in 18th century Britain.
The decision on the export licence application for the albums will be deferred until April 16, 2020. This may be extended until Aug. 16, 2020 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of 2.5 million pounds (3.26 million dollars).
