British Museum makes interim appointments

Former V&A Director MARK JONES has been named Interim Director of the British Museum amid the ongoing theft scandal.

The appointment follows the resignation of Dr HARTWIG FISCHER on 25 August. He stepped down after it was revealed thousands of items had been stolen from the museum's collection, a matter currently under investigation by the police.

Previously, Fischer had announced he would step down in July 2024. 

Jones was Keeper of Coins and Medals at the British Museum until 1992. He then became Director of National Museums Scotland before heading the V&A in London for a decade. 

On Saturday, British Museum Chair GEORGE OSBORNE said Jones had received “unanimous approval” of the board of trustees to become the interim director, subject to the approval of the Prime Minister. 

“Mark is one of the most experienced and respected museum leaders in the world, and he will offer the leadership and grip the museum needs right now," Osborne added. 

“We are both clear that his priorities are to accelerate the cataloguing of the collection, improve security and reinforce pride in the curatorial mission of the museum.”

Shortly after Fischer’s resignation, Deputy Director Dr JONATHAN WILLIAMS voluntarily “stepped back” from his role until the completion of an indepent review of the thefts, following claims he ignored warnings about stolen and missing artefacts. 

Director of Scientific Research at British Museum Dr CARL HERON has been appointed to replace Williams on a temporary basis. 

Before joining the British Museum in 2016, Heron was Head of Archaeological Sciences at the University of Bradford. 

“Carl is a highly-respected authority within the museum, so I’m sure you will all wish him well in this position,” Osborne said in an email to staff.