British Museum appoints interim head after scandal

The trustees of the British Museum have put forward a former head of the Victoria & Albert Museum as interim director following a scandal sparked by the theft of 2,000 artefacts

- CHARLOTTE MCLAUGHLIN

Sir Mark Jones was announced yesterday by chair of the institution, George Osborne, who said the art historian’s appointment is subject to Rishi Sunak’s approval.

Hartwig Fischer resigned as director of the British Museum on 25 August following an estimated 2,000 artefacts going missing from the institution. He later clarified that he would step down once an interim leadership arrangement was in place.

A police investigation is under way regarding the reported thefts.

Former chancellor Mr Osborne said: “I am pleased to confirm that Sir Mark Jones has received the unanimous approval of the board of trustees to become the interim director of the British Museum.

“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. 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.