Owner of Museum of Russian Icon's holding onto artwork, for now

METRO WEST DAILY NEWS
March 22, 2011

Gordon B. Lankton at his Museum of Russian Icons

MASSACHUSETTS - Digging in his heels, the founding owner of the Museum of Russian Icons has refused a disputed order to return loaned artworks four months early until Russian authorities clarify the legal basis for their claim. Gordon B. Lankton said his museum is continuing to exhibit Treasures from Moscow despite a Russian demand he immediately return 37 icons loaned by the Andrey Rublev Museum of Moscow. Under the original contract, the Clinton museum was scheduled to show the rare icons through July 25. Lankton believes Russia's demands stem from misplaced anger over a decision in a U.S. court in Washington, D.C., involving ownership of more than 60,000 Jewish books and religious documents. [link]