British Museum director Hartwig Fischer will be stepping down from his position with immediate effect, it has been announced.
He said in a statement: "Over the last few days I have been reviewing in detail the events around the thefts from the British Museum and the investigation into them. It is evident that the British Museum did not respond as comprehensively as it should have in response to the warnings in 2021, and to the problem that has now fully emerged.
"The responsibility for that failure must ultimately rest with the director. I also misjudged the remarks I made earlier this week about Dr Gradel. I wish to express my sincere regret and withdraw those remarks. "I have offered my resignation to the chairman of the trustees, and will step down as soon as the board have established an interim leadership arrangement. This will remain in place until a new director is chosen.
"The situation facing the museum is of the utmost seriousness. I sincerely believe it will come through this moment and emerge stronger, but sadly I have come to the conclusion that my presence is proving a distraction. "That is the last thing I would want. Over the last seven years I have been privileged to work with some of the most talented and dedicated public servants. The British Museum is an amazing institution, and it has been the honour of my life to lead it."
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Stolen British Museum artefacts 'melted down or in private collections' as list may top 2,000Pressure mounts on British Museum to reveal list of stolen artefacts as experts doubt the museum know how many gone
Lire la suite »
Nigeria demands return of Benin bronzes after thefts from British MuseumThere have been increasing calls for artefacts held in the UK to be returned to their countries of origin, even before the British Museum theft scandal came to light.
Lire la suite »
Sacked British museum curator's Twitter handle is same as ebay sellerThe Danish art collector who detected a thief was flogging precious items from the British Museum on eBay has blasted the museum's director as an 'idiot' who 'lives in cloud cuckoo land'.
Lire la suite »
Sacked British museum curator's Twitter handle is same as ebay sellerThe Danish art collector who detected a thief was flogging precious items from the British Museum on eBay has blasted the museum's director as an 'idiot' who 'lives in cloud cuckoo land'.
Lire la suite »
Police interview man over alleged thefts of artefacts at British MuseumA man has been interviewed by the Metropolitan Police following alleged thefts at the British Museum.
Lire la suite »
Man interviewed by police following reported thefts at British MuseumIt is believed that items including gold and precious stones were taken over a significant period of time.
Lire la suite »