Ex Louvre head charged in trafficking case
Plus: Coco Chanel comes to V&A
Happy Friday!
We start with a big *PERSONAL NEWS KLAXON.* As I’ve mentioned in this newsletter before, my day job has been doing PR for the exhibitions at the British Museum. Well, after 4.5 years, my time at the BM has come to an end, and I left earlier this month. It was an absolutely incredible ride and I loved every minute. I worked on the media campaigns for some of the Museum’s biggest shows of recent years, including Edvard Munch, Thomas Becket and Tantra, and I ended with what is undoubtedly the highlight of my career: the world of Stonehenge (I’ve only just recovered!). I was lucky enough in my job to get front page stories on the New York Times (with big help from Ian Hislop), TV packages on the News at Ten, and to regularly generate global headlines with news stories about some of the planet’s most amazing objects. It was brilliant. But I’m on to new adventures which I’m massively excited about. And I look forward to visiting the British Museum - one of the very best in the world, make no mistake - as a punter. I’m also excited to continue to bring you this newsletter and to make sure you get the inside track on all the goings on from the word of museums, galleries and art. Stay tuned.
Have excellent weekends, and now onto the news!
Maxwell
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This week’s news
This really is an ASTONISHING story. The former head of the Louvre in Paris - the world’s most visited museum don’t forget - has been charged in connection with a wide-ranging inquiry into the trafficking of ancient objects from the Middle East. French investigators allege Jean-Luc Martinez facilitated the transfer of the objects to the collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Martinez denies the charges and insists that he acted in good faith. Blimey. BBC News
What could be a more fitting tribute to a woman who has dedicated her life to serve the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and who is due to celebrate seven decades of unwavering public service next week? Why, a portrait made by a robot of course! Algorithm Queen, unveiled today in time for the Platinum Jubilee, has been created by Ai-Da, “the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist.” But Jonathan Jones, the Guardian’s art critic, said the painting was “yet another example of the cynical, transparent con that is AI art”. I bet Her Majesty is thrilled. The Guardian
The V&A has announced it will host the UK’s first retrospective of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto - based on the 2020 Palais Galliera exhibition of the same name - will open in September 2023 and will also emphasise the designer’s relationship with British culture. Business of Fashion
Remember the 2021 Turner Prize winner, the Druithaib's Ball which is modelled on an unlicensed Irish drinking place and was created by Belfast’s Array Collective? It’s been acquired by National Museums Northern Ireland and is set to go on display at the Ulster Museum next year. Belfast Telegraph
Dippy is back! The Natural History Museum have unveiled the return of the nation’s favourite dinosaur to its South Kensington home after a big UK tour (I was lucky enough to attend the press view yesterday and its looking great!). You have until January to visit - and it may well be the very last time Dippy will be seen in London. The Independent
It’s that time of year again. The shortlist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022 — the world’s largest museum prize — has been revealed. The five museums competing for the £100,000 award are: Derby Museums, Museum of Making; Horniman Museum and Gardens in London; People’s History Museum, Manchester; the Story Museum, Oxford; and Tŷ Pawb in Wrexham. maxwell museums extends a hearty congratulations to all five. The winner will be announced the Design Museum in London on 14 July. The Art Newspaper
There’s big controversy in Canada as plans have been announced to entirely demolish the Royal British Columbia Museum and build a brand new home from scratch - at cool cost of $789 million. But there’s been a major backlash, with critics saying it’s a vanity project that’s an irresponsible use of cash during a cost of living crisis. Local ministers tried to stem the growing outrage with a press conference this week, but with an official report featuring swathes of redacted details, it didn’t exactly scream transparency. A story to watch. CBC
And finally
The 2025 UK City of Culture will be announced live on BBC’s The One Show this Tuesday. Good luck to the final four: Bradford, Wrexham, County Durham, Southampton.
The Elizabeth line FINALLY opened in London this week, a major railway line under the city nearly three decades in the making. I’ve been on it twice, and it is absolutely astonishing. But what about the line’s newly commissioned artworks? The Times took a tour, and were underwhelmed.
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