In a recent announcement, George Osborne, the chairman of the British Museum, disclosed that steps have been taken towards the recovery of some of the approximately 2,000 treasures
believed to have been stolen from the institution. Osborne, the former chancellor, acknowledged the detrimental impact on the museum's reputation and emphasized the commitment to resolving the issue.
The museum, renowned for its cultural significance, has faced mounting pressure following its admission earlier this month that numerous items had been reported as "missing, stolen or damaged." These items, ranging from the 15th Century BC to the 19th Century AD, were primarily held for academic and research purposes.
Osborne, who assumed the role of chairman in June 2021, conveyed that they suspect thefts occurred over an extended period and that more preventative measures could have been taken. He stated that some members of the antiquarian community are collaborating in the recovery efforts, and while some items have been successfully recovered, challenges remain.
Security and Record-Keeping Concerns
Mr. Osborne drew attention to the issue of proper cataloging and registration, suggesting that items that were not adequately documented were at a higher risk of being targeted for theft. He pointed out that individuals with knowledge of unregistered artifacts would have an advantage in removing them. The British Museum, established in 1753 and holding around eight million items in its collection, has had only a fraction of these on public display, with the rest stored in various capacities.
Addressing Reputation and Collaborative Efforts
George Osborne did not shy away from admitting the damage inflicted upon the museum's reputation. He extended apologies on behalf of the institution and stressed the significance of rectifying the situation. While honest individuals are expected to return stolen items, he acknowledged that this might not be the case universally.
Collaborative efforts between the British Museum and law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, are underway. Osborne described ongoing forensic work to establish the exact scope of the losses. He also highlighted the need to bolster museum security.
Departures and Accountability
Hartwig Fischer, the museum's director, has announced his immediate resignation after acknowledging the mishandling of a 2021 investigation. This decision comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny regarding the museum's actions upon first learning about the missing items.
The museum has been under investigation by the Metropolitan Police, though no arrests have been made yet. The incident has raised questions about the British Museum's internal processes and its responsibility as a custodian of cultural artifacts from around the world.
The Scale of the Issue and Expert Perspectives
Christos Tsirogiannis, an expert in looted antiquities and head of a Unesco group focused on illicit antiquities trafficking, described the scale of the theft as unprecedented. He expressed concern that not publishing a list of missing items hampers efforts by experts to aid in the recovery process.
While the British Museum grapples with the repercussions of this incident, the broader implications for the institution's management and its role in safeguarding cultural heritage continue to be subjects of discussion and investigation. Photo by juandesant, Wikimedia commons.