Archives reveal the Iron Lady’s decisive views on the portraits of Great Britons that she wanted for Downing Street

Finaldi and Rothschild take over as outsourcing deal for warding services triggers indefinite walkout

Egypt’s leading archaeologist Zahi Hawass throws cold water on the recent theory that a hidden door in the boy king’s tomb could lead to the queen’s long-lost burial chamber

In an unprecedented move, the department for culture has extended initial deferral deadline for Egyptian sculpture's export license

Exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Hepworth Wakefield opens this weekend

Finest Assyrian relief from Nimrud among objects being valued for possible display in Abu Dhabi museum

Recovered artefacts include paintings, stained glass and carvings

Report praises most of the first 100 projects to be completed, but the days of enormous largesse are gone

Opposition from heritage groups changes the embattled foundation’s plans

Alfred Beit Foundation calls halt on auction of Old Masters after "proposal from private Irish donors"

Works by Rubens and Guardi are due to be auctioned in July to pay for upkeep of country home

Commitment to protect cultural property during periods of armed conflict comes after destruction of antiquities in Syria and Iraq by Islamic State

Museo Reina Sofia acknowledges eye-watering figure in press statement

Proceeds will be shared between the Klimt Foundation and the heirs of the sitter

New publication includes cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals, Assyrian reliefs and coins

Assyrian reliefs among the 500 loans earmarked for long stay in Abu Dhabi

The country’s monasteries and mosques have no place in the Caliphate

Destruction of artefacts in Syria and Iraq is a pressing issue but UK remains only major power not to ratify international law

The painting of Venus and Cupid hung in Hitler’s breakfast room

Syrian government forces withdraw leaving archaeological site under serious threat

Science Museum show was postponed last year amid political tensions with Russia

Syria’s greatest archaeological site is under threat—again

“Black spider” letter helps to save Antarctic Shackleton and Scott huts

He will work with newly appointed culture secretary John Whittingdale

Scheme includes a linking bridge and new exhibition spaces

John Whittingdale is expected to focus more on the media than on the arts