Former V&A boss Sir Mark Jones confirmed as British Museum interim director
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ir Mark Jones vowed to “restore the reputation” of the British Museum after his appointment as interim director was confirmed following approval by the Government within the wake of a theft scandal.
Former chancellor George Osborne, who’s now chairman of the museum’s trustees, confirmed the news, saying it’s a “critical moment for the British Museum” and that he “cannot think of anyone better placed to help take us forward”.
A former head of the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), Sir Mark takes over the position from Hartwig Fischer, who resigned on August 25 after it was revealed an estimated 2,000 artefacts have gone lacking.
Sir Mark mentioned: “I am pleased and honoured to have been offered the opportunity to work with the board and with colleagues in the museum to ensure the future security of the collections and restore the reputation of this great museum.”
German artwork historian Fischer had beforehand introduced in July that he could be leaving subsequent 12 months, however in August the museum mentioned he would step down “with immediate effect”, later clarifying that he would vacate as soon as an interim management association was in place.
A police investigation is beneath approach concerning the thefts.
It is known that the stolen gadgets – which embody gold jewelry, semi-precious stones and glass – have been taken earlier than 2023 and over a “significant” time period.
Mr Fischer’s deputy, Jonathan Williams, stepped again from his place similtaneously his boss introduced his resignation.
Mr Osborne mentioned: “This is a critical moment for the British Museum, and I cannot think of anyone better placed to help take us forward than Sir Mark Jones.
“His experience, grip and deep knowledge are exactly what’s needed, and I very much look forward to working together.”
Sir Mark beforehand labored on the British Museum as an assistant keeper of cash and medals from 1974 to 1990 earlier than occurring to turn out to be 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 turn out to be director of the V&A, which underwent a £120 million renewal programme throughout his tenure.
He has additionally been grasp of St Cross College, Oxford, from 2011 to 2016 and established an impartial bookshop in Edinburgh, the Golden Hare, in 2012.
Sir Mark can be chairman of the Pilgrim Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, and humanities and crafts nation home Hospitalfield.
No arrests have been made in relation to thefts from the museum.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed final month {that a} man had been interviewed beneath warning on August 23.