The Museum of London is currently co-funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the City of London Corporation, with the Prime Minister and the City appointing half of the Museum’s 18-strong Board of Governors each. Under the new proposals, the roles of DCMS and the Prime Minister will pass to the GLA and the Mayor of London. The role of the City of London Corporation will remain unchanged.
Announcing the decision, Tessa Jowell said:
“We have given careful thought to the views expressed in the consultation, and we have concluded that there is a strong case for the GLA taking on the Government’s sponsorship role for the Museum of London. The GLA and the City share a common focus on London and we believe that their partnership as joint sponsors of the museum will be of enormous benefit to the museum, its many visitors and to the capital itself.”
The news was welcomed by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone who added:
"The Museum of London is an important asset to the heritage sector and a vital part of London's cultural offer. It is unique in bringing to life this city's rich and diverse history, as well as reflecting present day London. I am very pleased with this decision, which recognises the importance of the museum to the whole of London and the need for the strategic authority to have a say in how it is run. We will work closely with both the Museum of London's staff and the City of London to raise the profile of this great organisation and ensure its future success."
Michael Snyder, Policy & Resources Chairman of the City of London Corporation, said:
"The Museum of London is a major cultural asset and a part of the City of London that is deeply treasured by Londoners, visitors and UK residents.
“The City is firmly dedicated to its stewardship of the nationally important Museum of London and looks forward to seeing the Museum continuing to flourish under the new Board."
Michael Cassidy, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Museum of London added:
“We are confident that the forthcoming discussions over details of the new arrangements will ensure the Museum’s funding and recognition of its nationally important collections will be secured or enhanced through this new relationship. The Museum already works successfully with the City of London, its other major funder, and is looking forward to bringing London-wide initiatives to the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands.”
Provisions to transfer the Government’s sponsorship of the museum will form part of the forthcoming Greater London Authority Bill, which will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
The consultation also asked for views on whether responsibility for the Horniman Museum and Gardens and the Geffrye Museum should be transferred from DCMS to the GLA. After considering the views received, Tessa Jowell has decided that the two museums will continue to be sponsored by DCMS.
The Government has published a summary of responses to the consultation which is available on the DCMS website.
Notes for editors
In November 2005, the Government published proposals for additional powers and responsibilities for the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority, including options for an enhanced role in culture and sport in the capital. As part of his response, the Mayor requested that the GLA be given greater responsibilities in respect of the Museum of London.
As a result of the Mayor’s request, the Consultation Paper on Future Sponsorship Arrangements for the Museum of London was published on 10 July 2006. The consultation period ended on 8 September and generated 157 responses.
