By Danica Kirka
The British Museum said Wednesday that a member of its staff has been dismissed after items dating back as far as the 15th century B.C. were found to be missing, stolen or damaged.
The museum said it has also ordered an independent review of security and a ‘‘vigorous program to recover the missing items.″
The stolen artifacts include gold jewelry and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century B.C. to the 19th century A.D. Most were small items kept in a storeroom and none had been on display recently, the museum said.
“Our priority is now threefold: first, to recover the stolen items; second, to find out what, if anything, could have been done to stop this; and third, to do whatever it takes, with investment in security and collection records, to make sure this doesn’t happen again,″ said George Osborne, the museum’s chair.
“This incident only reinforces the case for the reimagination of the museum we have embarked upon," Osborne said.
The museum said legal action would be taken against the dismissed staff member and that the matter was under investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police Service.
The 264-year-old British Museum is a major London tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to see a vast collection of artifacts ranging from the Rosetta Stone that unlocked the language of ancient Egypt to scrolls bearing 12th century Chinese poetry and masks created by the indigenous people of Canada.
But the museum has also attracted controversy because it has resisted calls from communities around the world to return items of historical significance that were acquired during the era of the British Empire. The most famous of these disputes include marble carvings from the Parthenon in Greece and the Benin bronzes from west Africa.
Hartwig Fischer, the director of the British Museum, apologized and said the institution was determined to put things right.
“This is a highly unusual incident,'' said Fischer said. “I know I speak for all colleagues when I say that we take the safeguarding of all the items in our care extremely seriously.''
Snap Kitchen has rolled out a new meal plan subscription. The Snap Meal Plan Subscription service comes directly to your door and can be tailored to a 3, 5, or 7-day service. The team creates plans based off of popular diets like Whole30.
WanderLuxxe luxury concierge offers the ultimate VIP festival experience with exclusive perks and insider access for groups and individuals, with a newly launched membership program for unparalleled access. Co-founders Marti Hines and Lola Wood sit down with Alyssa Julya Smith in Los Angeles to talk about what members can expect from the service.
Oprah Winfrey for President? Former U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power on Obama's final year, and the Golden Globes kick off a new chapter in Hollywood. With The Young Turks, Extra, Magnolia Pictures, CBN News, Red Alert Politics Dr. Evan Antin, and more.
New Year's resolutions are in full swing, but don't forget about your pets. Dr. Evan Antin discusses a few easy ways to improve your pet's health and wellness in 2018.
The Golden Globes just changed what's possible when it comes to award shows taking on political and social issues. Racked's Elana Fishman joins Cheddar to recap the most buzz-worthy stories coming off the red carpet.
Dozens of films and TV shows took home hardware at the 2018 Golden Globes, but the night's biggest winner wasn't even nominated. Extra's AJ Calloway joins Cheddar to discuss Oprah's big night and whether there's validity to the prospect of her running for president.
Celebrity trainer Corey Calliet calls himself the "Body Transformation Specialist." The successful fitness guru has made a name for himself in Hollywood as one of the most well-known trainers in the industry.
If you thought your commute home during the bomb cyclone was tough, wait until you hear about Liam Neeson's trip home in his new movie, "The Commuter." Director Jaume Collet-Serra joins Cheddar to discuss his fourth collaboration with Neeson in seven years.
AJ Calloway, co-host of "Extra," says that the Time's Up movement, which took center stage at the Golden Globes, is just the beginning. He hopes the initiative catapults change.
America is abuzz with talk of Oprah running for president in 2020. Should she run? The Young Turks' Emma Vigeland and The Daily Caller's Nick Givas discuss that and more on this week's edition of "Agree to Disagree."
