Over 2,000 Artifacts Disappear in British Museum, Breaking UK Preservation Laws

The British Museum has admitted to breaching UK law following the disappearance of over 2,000 artifacts from its collection. According to a report by ART News, the museum's internal audit was initiated after the discovery of missing items last year and later revealed non-compliance with UK legislation governing the preservation and care of national treasures.

The museum's management acknowledged that many of the missing artifacts might be irretrievable, possibly having been sold or defaced.

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What Will Happen to British Museum For Breaking UK Law

Under the Public Records Act, UK museums and libraries are required to maintain specific standards of preservation, access, and professional care for their collections. The British Museum's failure to meet these standards has raised concerns about the potential transfer of its collection to other organizations or the National Archives. However, a museum representative has stated that there is currently no indication of such actions being taken.

The incident also involved Peter Higgs, a senior curator who was dismissed in July 2023. The New York Times reported that Higgs was accused of stealing approximately 1,800 items valued at around $130,000 over a decade. Higgs has denied the allegations and has not been charged, but the museum has initiated legal proceedings against him.

The British Museum is collaborating with the National Archives to address the issues and has implemented corrective measures. "A number of actions are currently being considered by management," wrote George Osborne, the museum's former chancellor and chairman of trustees, and Nicholas Cullinan, its director, in the 2024 report.

Their efforts have led to the recovery of over 600 artifacts with assistance from the FBI.