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The Illicit Past: Heritage Crime, Trafficking and Contested Ownership

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Careers & Employability and the Department of Archaeology, Classics & Egyptology present this exciting panel and networking reception

15:30 - 17:00pm 
Lecture Theatre A, Central Teaching Hub, University of Liverpool 

The Illicit Past: Heritage Crime, Trafficking and Contested Ownership facilitated by Careers & Employability

Who owns the past, and who decides what should be returned, displayed, or protected? And when cultural heritage is stolen or exploited, who should be held accountable, and how can justice be achieved?

This interdisciplinary panel discussion explores the hidden world of heritage crime, art trafficking, and contested ownership, uncovering the complex ethical, legal, and cultural questions behind the movement of cultural artefacts. From looted tombs to museum collections, discover how these thought-provoking issues continue to shape our understanding of identity, justice, and global heritage.

Bringing together leading professionals from museums, law and policing, academia, and the art world, The Illicit Past offers rare and valuable insights into real-world challenges in law, policy, conservation, and heritage management.

Hear from our esteemed panel of industry experts:

  • Leonie Sedman – Curator, Victoria Gallery and Museum
  • Thomas Harrison – Department of Greece and Rome, British Museum
  • Emily Gould – Assistant Director, Institute of Art and Law
  • Sophie Hayes – Detective Constable, Metropolitan Police (Art and Antiquities Unit)
  • Dr Emiline Smith – Lecturer in Criminology, University of Glasgow
  • Jason Wood – Specialist Consultant, Adam Partridge Auctioneers and Valuers

 

Once this thought-provoking panel has concluded, we cordially invite you to join us for a wine reception in the foyer; an opportunity to network with fellow attendees as well as some of the speakers from the panel.

This collaborative event between Careers & Employability and the department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology marks the culmination of the department’s celebrations of 120 years of Archaeology at the University of Liverpool.

 

17:00 - 19:00pm
Foyer, Central Teaching Hub, University of Liverpool 

Networking Reception facilitated by the department of Archaeology, Classics & Egyptology

Whether you’re studying Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology; History; Law; Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology; Politics; Philosophy; and Languages, Cultures and Film, this fascinating, engaging and high-profile event is not to be missed!

 

Although this event is free to attend, booking is essential

STUDENTS:  Please book via Handshake.

STAFF/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: If you are a member of staff who would like to attend, please contact Lauren Arnott (L.Arnott@liverpool.ac.uk) via email to express your interest.