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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