Antiquities Dealer Who Exposed British Museum Thefts Dies at 61

Dr Ittai Gradel, the antiquities dealer who exposed the British Museum thefts, has died of cancer at 61. His death comes as investigators still examine the loss of thousands of artefacts. He played a key role in bringing the case to light.

Gradel first trained as an academic. Later, he built a career buying and selling ancient gems. Over time, he tracked suspicious items that he believed came from the museum. His work forced the issue into public view. As a result, the museum launched internal reviews. Police also opened an investigation, and leadership changes followed.

In his final days at a hospice in Denmark, the museum awarded him a rare medal. It recognised his efforts and persistence. The current director praised his work and admitted that earlier warnings had not received proper attention.

Gradel raised concerns in 2021. He noticed ancient gems linked to the British Museum appearing online. Many sold at very low prices. Because of his deep knowledge, he identified pieces that matched items from the museum’s collection.

Gradel then contacted museum officials. He shared detailed evidence, including transaction records. Gradel also pointed to a senior staff member. However, the museum initially dismissed his claims. Officials insisted that all items were accounted for. They saw no reason for concern.

Still, Gradel did not stop. Instead, he continued his own investigation. He worked with other dealers. Some had unknowingly bought items later confirmed as missing artefacts. In one case, a gemstone was returned after his intervention. This strengthened his case further.

By 2023, the museum confirmed that about 2,000 objects were missing, stolen, or damaged. This revelation drew strong criticism. Soon after, director Hartwig Fischer resigned. He admitted that the museum had failed to act on earlier warnings.

Meanwhile, the museum accused former curator Dr Peter Higgs of involvement. However, Higgs denied any wrongdoing. The Metropolitan Police continue their investigation. Developments may still follow, but Gradel did not live to see the outcome.

Before his death, he shared his concerns. He feared the case might not reach a clear end. He hoped authorities would bring charges. Otherwise, he worried the matter could fade without accountability.

A Life Shaped By Curiosity

Gradel was born in Haifa in 1965. His father was British, and his mother was Danish. He grew up in Denmark and developed an early interest in history. Later, he moved to the United Kingdom. There, his passion for antiquities grew stronger.

As a young adult, he visited the British Museum often. He studied its collections in detail. He examined displays section by section. This careful study, along with his strong memory, later helped him identify missing artefacts.

Although he spent time in academia, he chose a different path. He felt unsuited to university life. So, he turned to dealing in antiquities. This decision changed his life. It brought him both success and personal satisfaction.

He focused on ancient gemstones from Greek and Roman periods. Many carried detailed carvings of figures or symbols. He spoke with passion about their value. He often described the thrill of uncovering stories from the past.

Because of his expertise, he traced items sold through private channels. Over time, he helped return more than 360 objects to the museum. In some cases, he had unknowingly bought these items himself.

Final Reflections and Unfinished Work

Even as his health declined, Gradel stayed focused. He continued to follow the investigation he had started. Doctors diagnosed him with cancer years earlier. Then, in 2022, it returned. After that, he knew his time was limited.

Gradel expressed regret before his death. He would not see the case resolved. He also could not finish a book he planned to write. Gradel wanted to introduce ancient gems to a wider audience. He believed this could renew interest in the field.

Even so, he kept a dry sense of humour. He faced his situation with calm acceptance. Friends recalled moments of lightness during his final weeks. He balanced seriousness with wit.