Proposed monument at Flint Castle branded ‘distasteful’

Our daily round-up of news from the art world

Proposed monument at Flint Castle branded ‘distasteful’ | More than 6,000 people have signed a petition for a proposed public artwork at Flint Castle to be scrapped, reports the Architects’ Journal. The proposed ‘Iron Ring’ monument by George King Architects was named the winner of an international competition for a monument on the site last week. The design, a 30m-wide sculpture resembling a rusted crown, is intended to ‘commemorate Welsh legends’. However, opponents describe the proposed landmark as ‘distasteful’ and ‘disrespectful to the people of Wales’; ‘Iron Ring’ is a term associated with King Edward I’s fortifications constructed during his 13th-century conquest of Wales.

Kunstmuseum Bern launches provenance research into Gurlitt Collection | The Kunstmuseum Bern has taken possession of works bequeathed to it by the late collector Cornelius Gurlitt, reports the Art Newspaper. The museum is ‘beginning the groundwork to manage the bequest’, according to TAN, and has appointed art historian Nikola Doll to conduct provenance research into the controversial collection. Gurlitt named the museum as the sole beneficiary of his estate before he died in 2014. The institution hesitated prior to accepting the bequest, and says that it will only accept work with a provenance that is free from suspicion of Nazi looting.

Berkshire Museum criticised for plans to sell off works from its collection | The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is to sell off 40 works from its collection to help fund a major renovation. However, the decision has proved a controversial one. According to the Art Newspaper, the American Alliance of Museums, to which the institution belongs, has accused it of violating its code of ethics, as works of art are usually sold off only to facilitate further acquisitions.

Fire at Tatihou’s Maritime Museum destroys three paintings from the Louvre | A fire at the Maritime Museum on the island of Tatihou, off the Normandy coast, has destroyed three paintings on long-term loan from the Louvre in Paris. The blaze, which was probably caused by lightning, struck the museum’s reserve building and razed an entire wing, according to ArtNet. It reportedly destroyed 182 of 206 works in the reserve, collectively valued at more than €1m. The Louvre had loaned the museum two naval scenes and a still life.

Christina Olsen appointed director of University of Michigan Museum of Art | Director of the Williams College Museum of Art Christina Olsen has been chosen to lead the University of Michigan’s art museum. Olsen replaces Joseph Rosa, who has left the Ann Arbor institution to head the Frye Art Museum in Seattle. She will lead the museum for the next five years, beginning on 30 October.