More than 600 objects have now been returned to its collection, as Chair George Osbourne vows that ‘the hunt goes on’
The British Museum has made further progress in its efforts to recover some of the 1,500 items announced missing or stolen from its collection last year.
An update from the museum says a further 268 have now been recovered, bringing the total to 626 since the discovery.
Some of the objects previously recovered have since gone on display in an exhibition at the museum.
First items recovered from British Museum thefts to go on display
The museum also clarified that around 500 items within its collection have been damaged. Around 350 of those have had portions of gold removed, it said, which are “unlikely to be recoverable”.
The museum is currently working on ‘new leads’ for around 100 objects, said its Chair George Osborne, bringing the total to around 700 recoveries completed or in progress, or “almost half”.
The former politician said the recoveries were the result of “clever detective work and a network of well-wishers” but said “the hunt goes on for the remaining missing objects”.
The Metropolitan Police is investigating the thefts and no arrests have been made.
The museum has created a webpage detailing some of the recovered objects, and providing information on how the public can help.
Last month the museum was named the 2023’s most visited attraction by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA).
