In our campaign to stop the sale of Sekhemka the Action Group has contacted various large and prestigious museums. We asked them to write in to request a view of the statue for research purposes. We had hoped for replies or at least some encouragement in our campaign but...
So far we have had three replies:
One from Leicester saying they cannot get involved because they were commissioned by NBC to write a report on the “Significance of Sekhemka”; they cannot let us have a copy because they do not own the copyright. NBC has refused our FoI request because we have “overspent” our allocated time and money on this subject!
One reply from Birmingham which is positive and they will try to obtain access – thank you and GOOD LUCK!
The final reply came from the British Museum’s Egyptian and Sudan Department. The say their present research does not include this period of Egypt so they will not ask for access, nor do they wish to get involved due to the iffy ownership.
What about the rest of our UK museums? Those we have contacted and those yet to be e-mailed – do you not care about this issue? We know that every museum in the country has funding issues but selling off collections is surely the very LAST resort? Especially if one does not know if one OWNS the object?
No doubt the museum world is glad that a 69 year old grandmother and her colleagues are fighting this battle to set a precedent without endangering museum money BUT you could help!
Please help us by telling us WHERE – in addition to the British Museum and Lord Northampton’s archives – we can find reliable information on the 2nd Marquess’ Egyptian Collection and its “life” in particular the periods 1870 – 1880 and 1880 – 1899.
This may seem a parochial matter but it will ultimately affect ALL of you: Local Authority run establishments as well as the giant trusts.
DO SOMETHING!
Gunilla Loe, Chair
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