Recent reports have shed light on a clash between British Museum chairman George Osborne and officials from the Prime Minister’s office regarding the selection of the institution’s next museum director. This discord surfaced before the appointment of Nicholas Cullinan, the current director of the National Portrait Gallery, to the coveted position.
According to sources cited by the Telegraph, trustees of the British Museum were instructed by Downing Street officials to submit the names of the two final candidates for the directorship to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his advisors. The intention was for Sunak’s office to have the final say on the appointment, a departure from customary practice.
However, George Osborne reportedly opposed this directive, citing concerns that it undermined the museum’s autonomy and deviated from established norms. In line with tradition, the Prime Minister typically ratifies the selection made by the museum’s trustees once they announce their preferred candidate for the directorial role.
Nicholas Cullinan was ultimately appointed as the museum’s next director on March 28, following this tumultuous process. His appointment comes against the backdrop of several controversies plaguing the British Museum, notably its handling of the theft of over 1,800 items from its collection. In response, the museum has taken legal action against former curator Peter Higgs, alleging his involvement in the theft.
This clash between the British Museum and Downing Street echoes past instances of tension. In 2020, the office of then-Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly opposed the addition of Mary Beard to the museum’s board, citing her political stance. Beard, a distinguished British classicist and University of Cambridge professor had expressed support for the UK’s continued membership in the European Union.
Despite Downing Street’s objection, the British Museum’s board of trustees circumvented the process by appointing Beard themselves. This manoeuvre was possible as five of the board’s 25 seats can be filled without government approval.
Interim museum director Mark Jones remarked on the growing politicization of nominations to museum boards, stating to the Guardian on April 11: “There’s been an increasing politicization of the nominations to the boards of museums and galleries.” He emphasized the importance of selecting board members based on their suitability and potential contributions to the institution, rather than political considerations.
The clash between the British Museum chair and the Prime Minister’s office underscores broader concerns about the independence and integrity of cultural institutions. As debates over governance and accountability continue, stakeholders remain vigilant in safeguarding the autonomy of these vital pillars of society.