- British Museum Defends Handling of Stolen Artifacts
- Art Dealer’s Claims of Withheld Information
- Police Investigation and Employee Dismissal
After an art dealer informed museum managers in 2021, the British Museum’s director defended the stolen artefacts probe.
Ittai Gradel was informed by the British Museum that “all objects were accounted for.”
According to museum director Hartwig Fischer, the art dealer had additional items the institution did not know about.
Dr. Gradel asserted that was a “blatant lie,” adding that the museum did not contact him despite his availability.
The museum has terminated an employee after reports of “missing, stolen, or damaged” artifacts.
In 2021, Dr. Gradel told the London museum of the burglaries, but the museum did not respond.
Mr. Fischer stated in a statement released on Wednesday that when allegations were brought to the British Museum in 2021. “We took them extremely seriously and launched an investigation immediately.”
“Only a small number of items were the subject of concerns, and our investigation determined that all of these items were accounted for,” he continued.
We now have reason to believe that the individual who raised concerns had many more items in his possession. And it’s frustrating that this information was withheld from us because it would have helped our investigations,” he said.
Mr. Fischer also stated that a “comprehensive audit” was conducted in 2022, which “revealed a larger problem.” After which the police were notified and a disciplinary procedure was initiated. This “led to the dismissal of an employee,” Mr. Fischer said.
He also added that the “incredible British Museum collection” was his top priority.
Dr. Gradel responded, “The claim that I withheld information from the British Museum is a complete fabrication.
“I made it clear in my correspondence with the British Museum that I was available for any additional information or assistance they might require.” I was never contacted by them.”
According to the PA news agency, it is believed that the missing objects were taken over a “significant” period. Some of them reportedly wound up on eBay, where they were sold for a substantial discount to their estimated value.
eBay stated that it “will not tolerate the sale of stolen goods.”
The museum stated that none of the artifacts, dating from the 15th century B.C. to the 19th century A.D., had been recently displayed and had been preserved primarily for academic and research purposes. The vast majority of them were stored in a warehouse.
Dr. Gradel’s emails indicate that he became suspicious when he “stumbled” upon a photograph of a Roman cameo fragment that he claimed had been for sale and had been listed on the British Museum’s website but had since been withdrawn.
In one of his emails, Dr. Gradel also asserts that a third-party merchant returned a gem to the museum as soon as Dr. Gradel informed him of his suspicions. But that the museum did not adequately follow up on this.
In a follow-up email to a board trustee, Dr. Gradel accuses Mr. Fischer and Mr. Williams of “sweeping it all under the carpet.”
In an email sent to a trustee in October 2022 in response to Dr. Gradel’s concerns, Fischer stated that there was “no evidence” of any misconduct and that the “three items” Dr. Gradel had mentioned were “in the collection.”
More than 1,500 artefacts were stolen, damaged, or destroyed in a crisis that threatens the British Museum’s reputation.
The director of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, Despoina Koutsoumba, stated that the museum could no longer claim that Greek heritage was protected, as Greece has long campaigned for the return of the Parthenon sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, which are held at the museum.
MP Tim Loughton, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the British Museum, described the remarks as “blatant opportunism.”
