25 August 2023 , 15:12
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The director of British Museum will be stepping down from his position with immediate effect amid an investigation into thefts at the attraction.
Hartwig Fischer, 61, has expressed regret in handling the probe into the destruction or theft of more than 150 items at the museum. He has now quit with immediate effect.
Whistleblower Dr Ittai Gradel revealed he had contacted Mr Fischer and his deputy, Dr Jonathan Williams, alleged thefts in February 2021. Mr Fischer had claimed this week the art dealer had more items in his possession, unknown to the museum, which Dr Gradel said was an "outright lie".
The museum’s board of trustees has accepted Mr Fischer's resignation, with former chancellor George Osborne, chairman of trustees saying the art historian had “acted honourably” and that “no one has ever doubted Hartwig’s integrity, his dedication to his job, or his love for the museum”.
Hartwig Fischer has quit his role (Getty Images)Mr Fischer, the first non-British head of the museum since 1866, said today: "Over the last few days I have been reviewing in detail the events around the thefts from the British Museum and the investigation into them. It is evident that the British Museum did not respond as comprehensively as it should have in response to the warnings in 2021, and to the problem that has now fully emerged.
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"The responsibility for that failure must ultimately rest with the director. I also misjudged the remarks I made earlier this week about Dr Gradel. I wish to express my sincere regret and withdraw those remarks. I have offered my resignation to the chairman of the trustees, and will step down as soon as the board have established an interim leadership arrangement. This will remain in place until a new director is chosen.
"The situation facing the museum is of the utmost seriousness. I sincerely believe it will come through this moment and emerge stronger, but sadly I have come to the conclusion that my presence is proving a distraction. That is the last thing I would want. Over the last seven years I have been privileged to work with some of the most talented and dedicated public servants. The British Museum is an amazing institution, and it has been the honour of my life to lead it."
In July, Mr Fischer, who has been in the post since 2016, announced he would be stepping down next year. Now, an outcome of the interim leadership arrangement is expected within days, it is understood.
George Osborne, chair of trustees said: "The Board of Trustees has accepted the resignation of Hartwig Fisher as Director. He has acted honourably in confronting the mistakes that have been made. No one has ever doubted Hartwig’s integrity, his dedication to his job, or his love for the Museum.
"Hartwig had already announced his intention to step down some weeks ago, so the process of finding a new permanent Director is already underway. The Trustees will now establish an interim arrangement, ensuring that the Museum has the necessary leadership to take it through this turbulent period as we learn the lessons of what went wrong, and use them to develop plans for a strong future. The Trustees also wish to thank the many many staff who work so hard for the Museum and keep it running.
"I am clear about this: we are going to fix what has gone wrong. The museum has a mission that lasts across generations. We will learn, restore confidence and deserve to be admired once again."
Metropolitan Police said on Thursday: "A man has been interviewed by investigating officers. No arrests have been made. We have worked closely with the British Museum and will continue to do so. We will not be providing any further information at this time. Inquiries continue."