On 17 June 2023 David Lewis and Anne Webber, the co-founders and co-chairs of the Commission for Looted Art in Europe, were each awarded a CBE in King Charles’s first Birthday Honours List for ‘services to the Return of Looted Art’. In a short statement, they said how much they appreciated the great honour and recognition of their work, and in particular the acknowledgement of the importance of restitution. One of the United Kingdom’s highest honours, the CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire – is awarded to individuals with a prominent role who have made a distinguished and innovative contribution.
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I had the privilege to work alongside the recipients for about 12 months. I appreciate more than most, how painstakingly difficult it is to return looted artworks. Many are in full view of the public in museums and art galleries. It takes great patience and determination to deal with current owners, public officials and the descendents of former owners of stolen artworks. Congratulations to the recipients of these prestigious awards.