23rd April 2007, 11:25 AM
There are links between archaeology and museums. Some Museums, such as the Museum of London, or the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, maintain archaeology units which operate in the commercial sector as well as providing museum services. Therefore such archaeologists do have a role in Museum management, and in heritage management more broadly.
In terms of the specifics of the BM, its current Board of Trustees are listed here
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/corporate/index.html
A quick glance shows one very well-known archaeologist is on the Board, and there may be others but not as instantly recongisable (to me) as Professor Cunliffe. It actually looks like a well-balanced group representing the broad range of interests in the Museum.
However its funding is the responsibility of Government, not the trustees. The BM itself will be restricted as to the amount of independent fundraising it can undertake, and the sources of income (other than Government funds) it can access.
A "series of foreign trips" could well be money well spent if they are collaborating with colleagues overseas, I guess it might be better to read the Museum's annual report rather than the Telegraph's knee-jerk reaction to determine the thinking behind and usefulness (or otherwise) of this sort of spending.
In terms of the specifics of the BM, its current Board of Trustees are listed here
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/corporate/index.html
A quick glance shows one very well-known archaeologist is on the Board, and there may be others but not as instantly recongisable (to me) as Professor Cunliffe. It actually looks like a well-balanced group representing the broad range of interests in the Museum.
However its funding is the responsibility of Government, not the trustees. The BM itself will be restricted as to the amount of independent fundraising it can undertake, and the sources of income (other than Government funds) it can access.
A "series of foreign trips" could well be money well spent if they are collaborating with colleagues overseas, I guess it might be better to read the Museum's annual report rather than the Telegraph's knee-jerk reaction to determine the thinking behind and usefulness (or otherwise) of this sort of spending.