Though the morality of the black market in cultural material has been questioned by most and condemned by some, the black market continues to thrive. Museum customers may be fewer in number but they persist, and they have been joined by a new breed of private collector – the speculator – interested in monetary rather than historical value. Increasing numbers of “culture consumers” and reduced barriers to communication and transport have combined to open up new markets and cause more destruction. Author discusses the history, therefore of this illicit trade.
