Sir Mark Jones takes over as interim director of the British Museum

Sir Mark Jones, a former head of the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), has been put ahead to take over because the interim director of the British Museum.

The announcement was made by chair of the establishment, George Osborne, who stated the artwork historian’s appointment is topic to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s approval. It comes after Hartwig Fischer resigned as director of the British Museum on August 25 following an estimated 2,000 artefacts going lacking from the establishment.

He later clarified that he would step down as soon as an interim management association was in place. A police investigation is below method concerning the reported thefts.

Former chancellor Mr Osborne stated: “I am pleased to confirm that Sir Mark Jones has received the unanimous approval of the board of trustees to become the interim director of the British Museum.

“Mark is one of the most experienced and respected museum leaders in the world, and he will offer the leadership and grip the Museum needs right now.

“We are both clear that his priorities are to accelerate the cataloguing of the collection, improve security, and reinforce pride in the curatorial mission of the museum.

“This sits alongside the major renovation work we’re undertaking, and the partnerships we’re forging, to ensure that we build a stronger future for the Museum we all love and admire.

“I promised we would learn lessons and then lay the foundations for a strong future. Mark’s appointment is a big step in that direction. I look forward to working together.

“This appointment is still subject to the Prime Minister’s approval, but I want to thank (Culture Secretary) Lucy Frazer and colleagues in both (the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) DCMS and the Treasury for their support in making this appointment.”

Mr Fischer’s deputy Jonathan Williams stepped again from his place concurrently his boss introduced his resignation.

In his assertion, the German artwork historian admitted the museum “did not respond as comprehensively as it should have in response to warnings in 2021” in regards to the stolen artefacts.

Ittai Gradel, an writer, educational and antiquities supplier, had beforehand alerted the museum to a few of the stolen objects, and advised the PA news company that claims he had withheld info from the establishment had been an “outright lie”.

“I was explicit in my communication with the BM (British Museum) that I was entirely at their disposal for any further information or assistance they would require. They never contacted me,” he stated.

In his assertion Mr Fischer – who beforehand introduced in July he would step down subsequent yr – stated he had “misjudged the remarks I made earlier this week about Dr Gradel”.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed final month {that a} man had been interviewed on August 23 below warning with the alleged thefts. No arrests have been made.

An unnamed member of employees has been sacked and the museum stated it’s taking authorized motion. It is known that the objects – which embody gold jewelry, gems of semi-precious stones and glass – had been taken earlier than 2023 and over a “significant” time period.

Sir Mark beforehand labored on the British Museum as an assistant keeper of cash and medals from 1974 to 1990 earlier than occurring to develop into the keeper for 2 years.

In 1992, he turned director of National Museums Scotland which noticed the opening of the National Museum of Scotland and the creation of the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle.

Sir Mark left that place in 2001 to go on to work as director of the V&A which had a £120 million programme of renewal throughout his tenure. He has additionally been grasp of St Cross College, Oxford, from 2011 to 2016 and established an unbiased bookshop in Edinburgh, the Golden Hare, in 2012.

Sir Mark can be chair of the Pilgrim Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, and humanities and crafts nation home, Hospitalfield. The British Museum is anticipating his approval as interim director within the coming days.