Importing artwork + customs charges

[Teddy Lop]

I want to buy some artwork from a gallery in australia, my understanding is artwork is exempt from custom tariffs but my experience of UK customs is that they take a "our opinion is you owe us this much, pay or forfiet" stance. (My wife's parents used to send her a stocking of Christmas trinkets before scrooge, sorry her majesties customs, attached such a ludicrous value to them it became not worthwhile - we had to pay as much or more in fees to clear the items than the physical value or retail price)

what do I need to do, what's the worst case scenario, what rate are they likely to ask?

[Du1point8]

Think they charge if its above $1000, you also need to start filling in a lot of forms.

Swear it would be easier to just go and collect it yourself.

I just brought my artwork back as carry on... couldnt get any of it insured though due to price and the container is not made out of some sturdy material like titanium... cardboard tube was a big f off... came back safe though.