Boris Johnson marks transfer of power at Museum of London
Friday 27 June
Mayor of London Boris Johnson indulged his passion for all things Roman at Museum of London yesterday evening, getting his hands on some extraordinary new archaeological finds. He was attending a ceremony to mark a pivotal transfer of power which sees the Greater London Authority assume joint responsibility with the City of London Corporation, who continue to back the Museum.
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Margaret Hodge MPMargaret Hodge MP, Minister of Culture, and representatives from the City Corporation were also present to usher the Museum into a new era. The Museum, formerly part funded by the Department of Culture Media and Sport, is now run entirely by London bodies, for Londoners and visitors to the city. The change will allow the Museum to become a core part of London’s identity, at the beating heart of its cultural life.
The Mayor, in ebullient mood, reminded attendees that “It was 2054 years ago some pushy Italians arrived and settled here…clearly an argument for the benefit of immigration.”
“We need places like the beautiful Museum of London to remind us that if we forget our history then we are in danger of collapse. And that is why it is so vital to preserve and encourage great museums like the Museum of London.”
Margaret Hodge, a Londoner and long term champion of the Museum said: “It’s a real gem of a museum. It’s a fantastic asset that greatly enhances the culture and quality of the whole of London. It’s completely appropriate that it should be running in partnership between the City of London and the Greater London Authority…it is these two partners that can bring to life for London’s families and London’s children the story of London”
Stuart Fraser, Chairman of the City of London Policy and Resources Committee said: “What a fantastic cultural and educational resource we have here in the heart of the City of London. The City Corporation… looks forward very much to working to continue the renowned work of the Museum and thus provide an even better solution to London tourism, marketing and promotion in the run up to the 2012 games”.
Notes to Editors
1. Museum of London is one of the largest urban museums in the world. It also operates the Museum in Docklands and Museum of London Archaeology Service.
2. The Museum is currently redeveloping its lower galleries to retell the story of London and Londoners from 1666 to the present day in a £20.5 million project which will revitalize the galleries and create a glass window overlooking London Wall. The new galleries will open in 2010 with significantly increased access to the Museum’s collections, both in the galleries and online, and will also include a new Clore Learning Centre, a theatre and The Sackler Hall containing an information and coffee point. Find out more at www.museumoflondon.org.uk