THE British Museum’s director has resigned over its stolen treasures.
Hartwig Fischer said yesterday the institution “did not respond as comprehensively as it should have” to warnings in 2021.
He said the matter was “of the utmost seriousness” and his presence was proving a distraction.
In July he said he would go in 2024.
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His deputy Jonathan Williams will also step down for the duration of an independent probe.
Last month a curator was sacked after 2,000 artefacts worth millions went missing.
Mr Fischer also said he’d misjudged comments he made about antiques dealer Ittai Gradel, who alerted the museum to some of the stolen items.
Fischer continued: "I have offered my resignation to the chairman of the trustees, and will step down as soon as the board have established an interim leadership arrangement. This will remain in place until a new director is chosen.
"The situation facing the museum is of the utmost seriousness. I sincerely believe it will come through this moment and emerge stronger, but sadly I have come to the conclusion that my presence is proving a distraction.
"That is the last thing I would want. Over the last seven years I have been privileged to work with some of the most talented and dedicated public servants. The British Museum is an amazing institution, and it has been the honour of my life to lead it."
George Osborne, chair of trustees, said: “No one has ever doubted Hartwig’s integrity.”