The British Museum's director says he's resigning amid investigations into the theft or disappearance of hundreds of items from its massive collection.
The British home for 19th century Benin sculpture says it will repatriate the artworks to Nigeria. California museums face a similar decision.Fischer’s announcement included an apology to the whistleblower, Ittai Gradel, an art historian and dealer, who contacted the museum after seeing items he thought belonged to the museum being sold on eBay.
On Wednesday, Fischer issued a statement saying that the museum had taken the allegations seriously in 2021. But he said concerns had only been raised about a small number of items and said it was frustrating to learn that Gradel, whom he did not name, had “many more items in his possession.” Gradel told the BBC that it was an “outright lie” he withheld information from the museum. He said he offered any assistance they needed and they never contacted him.
“I also misjudged the remarks I made earlier this week about Dr. Gradel,” Fischer said Friday. “I wish to express my sincere regret and withdraw those remarks.” Fischer said he had offered his resignation to the chairman of trustees and would leave as soon as a temporary leader could be appointed.
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British Museum director steps down amid theft investigationThe director of the British Museum has stepped down amid an investigation into the alleged theft of gold and artifacts from the famous London institution.
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Director of British Museum steps down amid controversy over thefts of ancient itemsThe director of the British Museum says he's stepping down immediately amid investigations into the theft or disappearance of hundreds of items from its massive collection, including gold jewelry, semi-precious gems and antiquities dating to the 15th century B.C.
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Director of British Museum steps down amid controversy over thefts of ancient itemsThe director of the British Museum says he's stepping down immediately amid investigations into the theft or disappearance of hundreds of items from its massive collection, including gold jewelry, semi-precious gems and antiquities dating to the 15th century B.C. Hartwig Fischer says he's resigning now, rather than waiting until next year, as he had originally planned.
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Director of British Museum steps down amid controversy over thefts of ancient itemsThe director of the British Museum says he's stepping down immediately amid investigations into the theft or disappearance of hundreds of items from its massive collection, including gold jewelry, semi-precious gems and antiquities dating to the 15th century B.C. Hartwig Fischer says he's resigning now, rather than waiting until next year, as he had originally planned.
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British Museum director resigns over stolen itemsThe director of the British Museum said on Friday he was stepping down with immediate effect after admitting to failings in the museum's investigation into the theft of items from its collection.
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