2023-08-25 17:50:47
The director of the British Museum announced on Friday August 25 his immediate resignation following a series of thefts from its collections, a particularly embarrassing affair for one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world.
In office since 2016, Hartwig Fischer, born in 1962, had already expressed his intention to give up his place next year. But the pressure on this German art historian – the first non-British to head the British Museum – has been mounting since the announcement on August 16 of the disappearance of a series of pieces from the collections, some dating back to the 15th century. BC.
Acting Director
“It is obvious that the British Museum did not react as it should have to the warnings of 2021 and the problem now fully visible”Hartwig Fischer said in a statement. “The responsibility for this failure ultimately rests with the director. »
“The situation in which the museum finds itself is extremely serious. I sincerely believe that he will overcome this episode and come out of it stronger, but unfortunately I have come to the conclusion that my presence is a source of confusion.he added.
Museum chairman George Osborne said the resignation had been accepted and an interim director would be put in place pending the selection of a new boss for the institution, which is among the most visited attractions in the world. United Kingdom.
“He acted honorably in dealing with the mistakes that were made. No one ever doubted Hartwig’s integrity, his dedication to his work, or his love for the museum.”said George Osborne.
Theft of gold jewelery
The announcement of a series of thefts, small unexposed pieces kept among the millions of pieces in the reserves, constituted a deflagration for the museum. These include gold jewelry, semi-precious stones or glassware dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD. The institution had indicated in mid-August that it had dismissed an employee , contacted the police and launched an independent investigation to shed light on these thefts and learn from them.
Since then, the revelations have multiplied in dribs and drabs in the press, which evokes hundreds of objects that have disappeared over several years, some ending up on sale on eBay for modest sums. The press has also identified the employee as Peter Higgs, a well-known curator in art circles.
According to some media, not only was he left in office despite suspicions, but was recently promoted to oversee the Greek collections including the Parthenon marbles, pieces at the heart of a very sensitive dispute because claimed by Greece. London police said they have questioned a man but have not launched any prosecution as it stands.
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