Director of British Museum Steps Down, Admits Negligence Over Artifact Theft Warnings

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Over two years ago, the British Museum was tipped off about a potential theft or loss of invaluable artifacts. The warning came from an art historian who grew suspicious of items appearing for sale on eBay. Hartwig Fischer, the museum’s director, conceded on Friday that he had not adequately heeded the whistleblower’s alert. He has now resigned as investigations are underway to locate hundreds of vanished items, such as gold jewelry, semi-precious stones, and ancient artifacts dating back to the 15th century B.C.

“The British Museum failed to act with the necessary diligence in responding to the warnings given in 2021 and the ensuing problem that has now fully come to light,” Fischer stated. “The onus for this lapse unquestionably lies with the director.”

In light of these events, the museum terminated the employment of a staff member more than a week ago, declaring that legal measures would be initiated against the individual. The Metropolitan Police of London have started an investigation, and the museum has commissioned an independent assessment of its security protocols, alongside an aggressive initiative to recover the lost items.

According to the museum, most of the missing items were small and stored in a storeroom, and none had been recently displayed to the public.

The British Museum, established 264 years ago, is a significant tourist destination in London, attracting international visitors. Its collection boasts the Rosetta Stone, which deciphered ancient Egyptian script, 12th-century Chinese scrolls, and masks made by Canada’s Indigenous communities. The institution has, however, faced criticism for declining to repatriate historically significant items acquired during the British colonial era, including the Parthenon marbles from Greece and the Benin bronzes from West Africa.

Despina Koutsoumba, the leader of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, voiced this week that the British Museum could no longer claim to be a safer custodian for Greek cultural heritage.

Fischer’s resignation announcement also included an apology to the whistleblower, Ittai Gradel, a British-Danish art historian and dealer. Gradel had initially become skeptical after purchasing one of three objects listed by a seller on eBay. After tracing the two items he did not purchase back to the museum, he discovered that the one he bought had originally been part of a collection donated to the museum in 1814. Gradel identified the seller as the museum staff member who has since been dismissed.

Gradel accepted Fischer’s apology and his decision to resign but suggested that Deputy Director Jonathan Williams should also step down. Williams, who had earlier assured Gradel that no wrongdoing was found upon investigation, will temporarily leave his post during the independent review.

Earlier this week, Fischer had claimed that the museum took the 2021 allegations seriously but labeled the warning as concerning only a handful of items. Gradel rejected this as an “outright lie,” asserting that Fischer never examined the evidence he had supplied. Fischer later withdrew these comments, expressing “sincere regret.”

George Osborne, chairman of the museum’s trustees, confirmed the board’s acceptance of Fischer’s resignation, stating that Fischer acted “honorably in confronting the mistakes that have been made.”

Osborne added, “We are committed to rectifying what has gone astray. The museum’s mission extends across generations. We will learn from this, rebuild public trust, and strive to regain our esteemed reputation.”

Legal proceedings against the dismissed staff member are pending, the museum confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about British Museum Resignation

More about British Museum Resignation

• British Museum Official Website
• Metropolitan Police Official Press Release on Investigation
• Art Theft and Its Impact on Museums: A Scholarly Article
• Controversies Surrounding Artifact Repatriation: An Overview
• Profile of Hartwig Fischer: Career and Contributions
• Interview with Ittai Gradel on Whistleblowing
• The British Museum’s Collection Highlights
• The Association of Greek Archaeologists Official Statement
• History and Importance of the Rosetta Stone
• George Osborne’s Public Statement on Museum’s Future Plans