British Museum Director resigns amid stolen artefacts controversy

·

In light of admissions of shortcomings in the British Museum’s investigation into the theft of its collection items in 2021, the museum’s director has announced his immediate resignation.

Hartwig Fischer, a German art historian originally set to depart next year, acknowledged the museum’s inadequate response to warnings of potential theft by an employee and acknowledged that the responsibility for these failures ultimately lies with him.

According to AP News, in a detailed statement, Fischer expressed, “In recent days, I have conducted an in-depth review of the events surrounding the thefts from the British Museum and the subsequent investigation. It is clear that the museum’s response was not as thorough as it should have been.”

Renowned globally and cherished as one of London’s premier tourist destinations, the British Museum recently reported the dismissal of a staff member due to missing, stolen, or damaged items.

Among these items were gold jewelry and gems dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

British Museum director Hartwig Fischer has resigned. Photo: John Davis.

Fischer’s resignation was accepted by the museum’s board of trustees, led by former British finance minister George Osborne.

Osborne asserted, “Let me be unequivocal: we are committed to rectifying these errors. The museum carries a legacy that extends across generations. We will learn, rebuild trust, and once again earn the admiration we deserve.”

The terminated staff member has been identified by the British media as Peter Higgs, a senior curator who dedicated three decades to the institution.

The British Museum, home to the Parthenon Sculptures, remains under the scrutiny of Greece, which has consistently advocated for the sculptures’ permanent repatriation. These sculptures were initially removed from the Acropolis in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin during his tenure as the ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

In response to recent developments at the British Museum, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni affirmed that her ministry is closely monitoring the situation.

Source: AP News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Cyprus green-lights $2.1 billion undersea cable to link electricity grid with Greece

Cyprus officially approved the construction of a $2.1 billion undersea electricity cable that will connect its power grid with Greece’s.

New book by Dr Anastasia Hronis is a self-help guide for living well

Understanding dopamine, how it influences our choices and its role in the brain and body, is the basis of a new book by Dr Anastasia Hronis.

Over 200,000 animals died from the floods in Greece

Minister of Rural Development and Food, Lefteris Avgenakis reported over 200,000 animals died from storm Daniel in Thessaly, central Greece.