Dismissal of British Museum Staff Member over Missing Gold Jewellery and Gems in Unprecedented Event

author: FutureCar Staff    

The British Museum has taken action against a staff member who was found to be responsible for missing, stolen, or damaged items from its collection. The museum is suing the individual and has initiated a vigorous program to recover the missing items. It has been confirmed that the items in question were not on public display.

The museum, known for being one of the most visited in the world, is now reviewing its security measures and working diligently to recover the objects. London's Metropolitan Police is also involved in the investigation.

The majority of the missing items were small pieces kept in a storeroom, including gold jewelry, gems, semi-precious stones, and glass dating back to the 15th century BC. These items were primarily used for academic and research purposes, rather than public exhibition.

The director of the British Museum, Hartwig Fischer, expressed the seriousness with which the institution takes the safeguarding of its collection. He stated that the museum has already enhanced its security arrangements and is collaborating with external experts to determine the extent of the missing, damaged, and stolen objects. The focus now is on recovering these items.

The chair of the museum's trustees, George Osborne, emphasized their deep concern upon learning of the theft earlier this year. He outlined the three priorities moving forward: recovering the stolen items, investigating how the theft could have been prevented, and implementing necessary measures to ensure the security of the collection.

As a major tourist attraction in London, the 264-year-old British Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from various cultures and time periods. Despite its popularity, the museum has faced controversy due to its refusal to return historical items acquired during the British Empire era. Disputes surrounding items such as marble carvings from the Parthenon in Greece and the Benin bronzes from West Africa have been ongoing.

The British Museum acknowledges the need for improvement and has expressed its commitment to rectifying any past wrongs. The incident involving the missing items has further highlighted the importance of reevaluating the museum's practices and ensuring the security and preservation of its collection.

Source: Reuters/AP

FutureCar Staff