British Museum boss reveals objects have been stolen as workers member dismissed
T
he British Museum has introduced objects from its assortment have been discovered to be lacking, stolen or broken.
The London museum, which homes artefacts from around the globe, has launched an impartial assessment of safety because it mentioned a workers member on the establishment has been dismissed.
The matter can be below investigation by the financial crime command of the Metropolitan Police.
Legal motion will likely be taken by the museum in opposition to the unnamed workers member, the establishment mentioned.
Hartwig Fischer, director of the British Museum, mentioned: “The museum apologises for what has happened, but we have now brought an end to this – and we are determined to put things right.
“We have already tightened our security arrangements and we are working alongside outside experts to complete a definitive account of what is missing, damaged and stolen. This will allow us to throw our efforts into the recovery of objects.”
In July, the museum introduced that Mr Fischer, a German artwork historian, would step down from his position subsequent yr.
The objects embody gold jewelry and gems of semi-precious stones, and glass courting from the fifteenth century BC to the nineteenth century AD.
The museum described them as small items, which weren’t not too long ago on public show and have been primarily used for analysis and tutorial work.
George Osborne, chairman of the British Museum, mentioned: “The trustees of the British Museum were extremely concerned when we learnt earlier this year that items of the collection had been stolen.
“The trustees have taken decisive action to deal with the situation, working with the team at the museum.
“We called in the police, imposed emergency measures to increase security, set up an independent review into what happened and lessons to learn, and used all the disciplinary powers available to us to deal with the individual we believe to be responsible.
“Our priority is now threefold: first, to recover the stolen items; second, to find out what, if anything, could have been done to stop this; and third, to do whatever it takes, with investment in security and collection records, to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
“This incident only reinforces the case for the reimagination of the museum we have embarked upon. It’s a sad day for all who love our British Museum, but we’re determined to right the wrongs and use the experience to build a stronger museum.”
The assessment will likely be led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman, and Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, Lucy D’Orsi.
They will present suggestions relating to future safety preparations and begin “a vigorous programme to recover the missing items”, based on the museum.
Sir Nigel mentioned: “The recovery programme will work to ensure the stolen items are returned to the museum.
“It will be a painstaking job, involving internal and external experts, but this is an absolute priority – however long it takes – and we are grateful for the help we have already received.”
The PA news company understands that the objects have been taken earlier than 2023 and over a “significant” time frame.
A spokesperson for the Met Police mentioned: “We have been working alongside the British Museum.
“There is currently an ongoing investigation – there is no arrest and inquiries continue. We will not be providing any further information at this time.”
Items have gone lacking from the museum in earlier years together with a variety of cash and medals within the Seventies and a 1993 break-in when Roman cash have been taken.
In 2002, the museum reviewed safety following a 2,500-year-old Greek statue being stolen by a member of the general public.
The establishment mentioned on the time that the Greek Archaic Gallery had been open to the general public however there was no everlasting guard on responsibility when the 12cm-high marble head was taken.
Two years later, Chinese gems additionally went lacking.
In 2017, it was revealed a £750,000 Cartier ring diamond from the heritage asset assortment had been reported absent in 2011.