The British Museum Theft: A Historical Overview of Art Theft by Nigel Peverett

In a significant incident from the early 1990s, former British Museum staff member Nigel Peverett stole over 300 pieces of art from the institution, selling them at an antiques market. This theft, detailed in Barnaby Phillips' forthcoming book, *The African Kingdom of Gold*, highlights vulnerabilities in museum security and the ongoing challenges of art theft.

The Independent

Peverett, who worked in the museum’s Department of Prints and Drawings, was apprehended in April 1992 while attempting to leave the museum with 35 prints valued at approximately £5,000. Following his arrest, police searched his residence in Kent, uncovering an additional 169 prints worth an estimated £27,000. Peverett later confessed to stealing another 150 prints, which he had already sold. His method involved entering the museum with a single bag and leaving with multiple artworks, often altering them by scraping off catalogue numbers or cutting them down in size.

The Independent

Nigel Peverett's actions have been characterized as both charming and irresponsible. His family described him as a man who loved art and music but struggled with financial management, even engaging in an insurance fraud scheme that involved burning a Porsche. After his prosecution, Peverett experienced a nervous breakdown and spent six weeks in a psychiatric hospital, ultimately receiving a suspended sentence. He passed away in 2023.

The Independent

In response to the thefts, a spokesperson for the British Museum stated, “These events occurred decades ago, and the individual was caught and prosecuted at the time.” The museum acknowledged the inherent risks of theft and emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its collection. In 2023, the museum announced plans to digitize its entire collection within five years as part of its strategy to enhance security and public accessibility.

The Independent

Despite the museum's efforts, the incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place at cultural institutions. Critics argue that the theft underscores a need for improved safeguarding protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The British Museum's commitment to digitization is seen as a step forward, but questions remain regarding the adequacy of current security practices.

The Independent

As the British Museum moves towards full digitization of its collection, it aims to enhance both security and public engagement. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the museum sector to leverage technology in protecting valuable artworks and artifacts.

The Independent

• “Thefts will unfortunately always be a risk for every museum, and for this reason, we take safeguarding the collection incredibly seriously.” — British Museum Spokesperson

The Independent

• “totally irresponsible and hopeless with money” — Family of Nigel Peverett

The Independent

This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by museums and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting cultural heritage.

The Independent