The British Museum is to put 10 items stolen from its collection and later recovered on view this month in a show named Rediscovering Gems.
In August last year, the museum announced that around 2,000 objects from its collection were missing, stolen or damaged. The majority of these were classical gems and gold jewellery.
The new display will explore the significance of classical gems and “the impression they have left throughout history”, the museum said in a statement. Guests will see the gems displayed in a typical gem cabinet in the 18th-century European style.
The British Museum’s chair George Osborne said: “We promised we’d show the world the gems that were stolen and recovered – rather than hide them away. It’s another example of culture change underway at the British Museum, as we open up and take ownership of our own story.”
Tom Harrison, keeper of the department of Greece and Rome, said: “We are delighted to be able to put on this exhibition and showcase some of the stunning recovered gems which are now safely back in the museum’s collection.
“It’s also an interesting opportunity to cast some light on an under-appreciated and very beautiful art form. A huge thanks goes out to all those who have lent support and helped us in the recovery programme.”
Some of the recovered gems are going on show for the first time. These include a cameo with a bust of Cupid from the 1st or 2nd century AD.
Rediscovering Gems exhibit
The British Museum has recovered about 350 items to date. It is working alongside the police and an international group of experts in gems, collection history and art loss recovery to locate the remaining missing objects.
Meanwhile, the museum has started recruiting for a new director to lead it through “a period of historic rejuvenation and development”.
Rediscovering Gems will be on display for free from 15 February through 15 June.
Images courtesy of the British Museum
