Bosses at Ipswich Museum order review of 'problematic' artefacts in bid to ...

Bosses at Ipswich Museum order review of 'problematic' artefacts in bid to ...
Bosses at Ipswich Museum order review of 'problematic' artefacts in bid to ...

Bosses at Ipswich Museum have ordered a review into 'problematic' artefacts in the hope of 'improving diversity'. 

Staff at the venue, in Suffolk, have already labelled some of its artefacts as being 'of questionable provenance' and will now re-examine how it acquired some of its exhibits. 

A newly approved plan promises new research into the history of the artefacts it holds, along with a re-examination of how came to possess them.

The document is also said to acknowledge that the people who visit the museum do not reflect the local 'diverse' demographic.

Ipswich Museum holds objects from around the world and its collections cover both human and natural history.  

The review comes amid a wider national debate on Britain's colonial past. 

It was sparked by the Black Lives Matter protests last year, which saw the toppling of 18th century slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol.

Staff at Ipswich Museum - which is one of six sites run by the Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service - are said to have already identified some artefacts of 'questionable provenance'.  

Bosses at Ipswich Museum have ordered a review into 'problematic' artefacts in the hope of 'improving diversity'

Bosses at Ipswich Museum have ordered a review into 'problematic' artefacts in the hope of 'improving diversity'

Staff at Ipswich Museum - which is one of six sites run by the Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service - are said to have already identified some artefacts of 'questionable provenance'. Pictured: Artefacts from Nigeria which are on display at Ipswich Museum

Staff at Ipswich Museum - which is one of six sites run by the Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service - are said to have already identified some artefacts of 'questionable provenance'. Pictured: Artefacts from Nigeria which are on display at Ipswich Museum

The institution's review was approved by the join museums committee of Ipswich and Colchester borough councils, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The review will also involve the Norman-era Colchester Castle and the nearby Hollytrees Museum, which is based at an 18th century house. 

Ipswich Art Gallery and the museum Christchurch Mansion, which is based in a country home dating from the Tudor period, is also included. 

Frank Hargrave, Colchester and Ipswich Museums manager, said: 'It is about better engagement and improving diversity. 

The gold death mask which was made for Roman citizen Titus Flavius Demetrius, who died in Egypt between AD 80-120. The mask is on display at Ipswich Museum. The mask was excavated by archaeologist Flinders Petrie at Hawara in Egypt in 1888

The gold death mask which was made for Roman citizen Titus Flavius Demetrius, who died in Egypt between AD 80-120. The mask is on display at Ipswich Museum. The mask was excavated by archaeologist

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