The museum's deputy director, who oversaw the original failed investigation, handed in his resignation this week.
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An external review into theft and damages at the British Museum has concluded that order should be returned and the Deputy Director quits in response to recommendations.
The Deputy Director, Dr Jonathan Williams, who oversaw the failed investigation, handed in his resignation this week.
Over 2,000 items were reported stolen or damaged from museum storerooms between 2021 and 2023.
Of these 2,000 items, 1,500 remain missing. 350 of these are parts of larger pieces such as gold mounts for gems.
Dr Williams was criticised for not reacting to claims of theft sooner.
The independent inquiry into the stolen goods was led by three officials; Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Sir Nigel Boardman, Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi and Deputy High Court Judge Ian Karet.
George Osborne, who chairs the British Museum (seen here last year with Dr Hartwig Fischer). CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
George Osborne, the Chair of Trustees at the museum, said: “This review shows the British Museum is putting our own house in order, indeed we commissioned it because we were determined to learn the lessons of what went wrong. […]
“Above all, we’re determined to emerge from this period a stronger, more open, and more confident museum fit for the future.”
‘He should have gone long ago’
The ex-Deputy Director was reportedly notified in February 2021 by gem specialist, Dr Ittai Gradel.
Dr Gradel alerted Dr Williams, but says his suspicions were ignored.
He reports that he saw some of the British Museum‘s exhibition pieces being sold on eBay. It was alleged that the perpetrator was one of the museum’s curators based on PayPal receipts associated with the sale.
Before this inquiry, he was told these allegations were false.
Responding to the resignation, Dr Gradel commented that: “He should have gone long ago.
“The whole change of stepping back from duties was pointless from the outset. It was immediately obvious to any observer that he had displayed incompetence in handling this”.
The British Museum’s director, Hartwig Fischer, resigned in August when the scandal first came to light.
So far, 351 possessions have been located and restored.
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HeadlineBritish Museum deputy director resigns after theft investigation concluded
Short HeadlineBritish Museum deputy director quits after theft inquiry
StandfirstOver 2,000 items were reported stolen or damaged from museum storerooms between 2021 and 2023.
An external review into theft and damages at the British Museum has concluded that order should be returned and the Deputy Director quits in response to recommendations.
The Deputy Director, Dr Jonathan Williams, who oversaw the failed investigation, handed in his resignation this week.
Over 2,000 items were reported stolen or damaged from museum storerooms between 2021 and 2023.
Of these 2,000 items, 1,500 remain missing. 350 of these are parts of larger pieces such as gold mounts for gems.
Dr Williams was criticised for not reacting to claims of theft sooner.
The independent inquiry into the stolen goods was led by three officials; Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Sir Nigel Boardman, Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi and Deputy High Court Judge Ian Karet.
George Osborne, who chairs the British Museum (seen here last year with Dr Hartwig Fischer). CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
George Osborne, the Chair of Trustees at the museum, said: “This review shows the British Museum is putting our own house in order, indeed we commissioned it because we were determined to learn the lessons of what went wrong. […]
“Above all, we’re determined to emerge from this period a stronger, more open, and more confident museum fit for the future.”
‘He should have gone long ago’
The ex-Deputy Director was reportedly notified in February 2021 by gem specialist, Dr Ittai Gradel.
Dr Gradel alerted Dr Williams, but says his suspicions were ignored.
He reports that he saw some of the British Museum‘s exhibition pieces being sold on eBay. It was alleged that the perpetrator was one of the museum’s curators based on PayPal receipts associated with the sale.
Before this inquiry, he was told these allegations were false.
Responding to the resignation, Dr Gradel commented that: “He should have gone long ago.
“The whole change of stepping back from duties was pointless from the outset. It was immediately obvious to any observer that he had displayed incompetence in handling this”.
The British Museum’s director, Hartwig Fischer, resigned in August when the scandal first came to light.
So far, 351 possessions have been located and restored.
