Taliban reopen Kabul museum
Plus: jabs are back at the Science Museum
Happy Friday. Want to be shocked? 2022 is just 22 days away. HOW?!
I’m delighted to kick off by saying this newsletter has now sailed past 1,200 subscribers. It continues to blow my mind that more and more people want to read it - and that you all continue to read it week in and week out. I thank each and every one of you for your continued support.
My week has been a busy one. I’m looking after the media campaign for the British Museum’s The world of Stonehenge exhibition, and we launched it to the press on Tuesday. The response has been incredible. It was covered in eight national newspapers (yay for print!) plus nearly 200 other outlets. Yesterday even saw a full-page feature in the Daily Mail. You can see the main headline from the announcement below, but let me tell you might want to book tickets soonish as this is going to be monumentally popular.
Now lets read on!
Maxwell
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This week’s top story
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Sackler family jointly announced this week that the Sackler name would be removed from seven exhibition spaces in the New York museum. In a statement, the descendants of Dr. Mortimer Sackler and Dr. Raymond Sackler said “our families have always strongly supported the Met, and we believe this to be in the best interest of the museum and the important mission that it serves.” Their support goes back almost 50 years. New York Times
According to the Guardian, “the news comes in the wake of leading members of the US family, one of America’s richest, being blamed for fueling the deadly opioids crisis in America.” It also follows the 2019 decision by the Louvre to cover up the Sackler name in their galleries, although the Paris museum claimed it was because the 20-year limit on naming rights had passed.
An eye catching part of the Sackler’s statement was their claim to be “passing the torch to others who might wish to step forward to support the museum.” We don’t know how easy it was to come to this ‘mutual agreement’ but by presenting a united front with Sackler family, the Met can go forward to find someone else to take up the multi-million dollar naming rights of these galleries without looking like it unilaterally ditched generous donors. Not a good look when seeking new support from high-net-worth peeps. And this all comes in the wake of the Met getting the largest capital gift in its history last month, with $125 million donated to build the new Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing. Another big pay day may now be on the horizon too.
This week’s other stories
A hidden sketch by Rembrandt has been discovered beneath the paint of the Dutch master’s most famous work, The Night Watch. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam uncovered the secret after a two-and-a-half-year investigation by restorers using the latest scanning technology. Isn’t it incredible that iconic artworks can still offer surprises even after centuries? The Guardian
One of London’s most fascinating small museums, the Brunel Museum, has won planning approval to expand. A new visitor centre and entrance will be be built, despite strong opposition from nearby residents. One councillor on the planning committee commented that “something has gone seriously wrong” with the museum’s engagement with locals on the plans. Southwark News
A remarkable 4,000 year old timber circle - dubbed ‘Stonehenge of the sea’ - that lay hidden for millennia on a remote Norfolk beach, will go on loan for the first time ever. It will take centerstage at the British Museum’s The world of Stonehenge exhibition which will see over 430 objects go on show from across Europe to tell the story of the ancient monument, and will open in February. The Daily Telegraph
Cultural items and artworks worth £52 million have been saved for the nation this year thanks to Art Council England’s cultural gifts and acceptance in lieu schemes. The schemes offer the opportunity for UK taxpayers to donate works for tax reductions or inheritance tax reductions. Highlights in 2021 have been JMW Turner’s Walton Bridge going to the Ashmolean Museum, and Stephen Hawking’s office being allocated to the Science Museum. The Guardian
Speaking of the Science Museum, jabs are back. The covid vaccine centre which saw 100,000 doses given over the summer at the south Kensington institution - including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and me! - will reopen to help with the efforts to administer booster jabs in the capital. Evening Standard
The National Museum of Afghanistan has reopened for the first time since the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Kabul in mid August. The Taliban, who in 2001 ransacked the museum, now guard it. Its director has been able to stay in post, but without a salary. Power cuts are frequent. NBC News
The FIFA World Football Museum has rebranded. It is now known simply as the FIFA Museum, and it’s a refresh to signify the the next chapter in “celebrating and safeguarding football heritage and culture globally.” (Don’t forget to catch up with my recent interview with the Museum’s Director.) Museums and Heritage Advisor
And finally
A new exhibition to mark Bridget Riley’s 90th birthday opens next week at the Lightbox in Woking. Jonathan Jones in the Guardian looks back on a 60-year career of an artist “who can leave you feeling elated…and even seasick.”
This newsletter is three years old! If you’ve been enjoying it, please consider buying me a digital coffee via the link below. Each digital coffee is a donation which helps keep it free.