New museum boss against ‘activist’ positions
Dr Nicholas Cullinan previously spoke out amid row about funding by fossil-fuel companies
THE British Museum has appointed a new director who has previously warned against cultural institutions taking “activist” positions.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan, the current director of the National Portrait Gallery (NPG), has been chosen to lead the museum, which was thrown into crisis last year when it emerged more than 1,000 gems had been stolen. The scandal led to the departure of the former director Dr Hartwig Fischer, who quit after allegations the museum’s leadership at the time had ignored warnings that an insider was selling artefacts.
Dr Cullinan, 46, recently oversaw a major revamp of the gallery, and his experience in managing the £40 million project made him the ideal candidate to spearhead the museum’s 10-year “masterplan” to transform its own spaces.
In November, he became embroiled in a row about cultural institutions being supported by fossil-fuel funding, a subject that has dogged the British Museum, which has enjoyed controversial sponsorship deals with the oil giant BP. It came after he announced a law firm with links to big energy would replace BP as a sponsor at the NPG.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “What you don’t want to do is start occupying that position of being an activist, because it also puts off other people wanting to support museums.”
Dr Cullinan’s appointment comes amid increased pressure on the British Museum both to sever ties with fossil fuel companies and to repatriate contested artefacts, and he will have to manage the ongoing diplomatic row over the Elgin Marbles.
George Osborne, the chairman of the museum, said: “He has shown his capacity as director of the National Portrait Gallery to oversee both a major physical renovation and a compelling renewal of purpose in a way that doesn’t take sides, but brings people together – and won universal acclaim.
“We believe he can achieve this, and more, on the bigger scale of the British Museum as we undertake a once-in-a-generation redevelopment.”
The appointment of the curator and art history expert was approved by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister.
Dr Cullinan will take up the post in the summer, relieving the interim director Sir Mark Jones, who stepped in to manage the museum following the stolen artefacts scandal.
Last year, Dr Peter Higgs, a senior curator, was sacked over items in the collection allegedly being stolen or damaged. About 1,800 artefacts were believed to have been damaged or sold.
Dr Ittai Gradel, an antiquities expert, had raised concerns about thefts but these had not been acted on by Dr Fischer or his second-in-command, Dr Jonathan Williams, who stepped back from his duties. The British Museum is suing Dr Higgs, who is accused of selling items on ebay, in an attempt to force him to hand over treasures that may still be in his possession.
Dr Cullinan will be tasked with managing a total overhaul and renovation of the museum, which is among the most-visited attractions in the UK.