The National Trust will treat collections on a "case by case" basis after reports that it could return controversial artefacts such as those at Powis Castle.
The Trust runs many of the country's historic estates including Powis Catle and the controversial Clive collection.
The collection was taken by Robert Clive during his time heading the military campaign as part of the British East India Company, with much coming after his victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
The collection of Indian artefacts is considered one of the most important in the world, is considered highly controversial due to the nature of how it was taken from India.
OTHER NEWS:
- Powys homeowners being trapped in their homes after 10 years of flooding
- Fancy this beautiful Powys property for just £250k? But there is a catch
- Designers to review Powys BMX track after incident left child needing stitches
Clive is considered one of the most controversial figures in British colonialism, described by esteemed historian William Dalrymple as an "unstable sociopath".
The National Trust's Chair, Rene Oilvieri, was reported by the Guardian to have told the Hay Literary Festival to be looking at developing a policy about restitution of some collections in answer to a question about the controversial nature of the Clive Collection at Powis Castle.
The trust's website describes the Clive Museum at the castle as containing more than 1,000 items from South and East Asia, dating from about 1600 to the 1830s, including "ivories, textiles, statues of Hindu gods, ornamental silver and gold, weapons and ceremonial armour".
The National Trust has said that for the meantime they will be looking at restitution on a "case by case" basis.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: "The National Trust’s position is to carefully consider any request for restitution or repatriation on a case-by-case basis, in line with our legal, charitable and ethical obligations.
"This is the approach recommended by Arts Council England, who have published updated guidance on how to assess potential claims, which is available to the UK heritage sector.
"This guidance recommends organisations work towards publishing a repatriation and restitution policy on their website, which the Trust plans to do.
“If a request was received, it would be carefully considered. This would include undertaking provenance research to confirm how it was acquired by the Trust, which could be by purchase, gift or transfer.
"Repatriation and restitution can be a complex area.
"The Trust’s decision-making processes are governed by our Acts of Parliament and UK charity law, which ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the Trust.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here