British Museum hosted Palantir founder Peter Thiel in private viewing of Bayeux tapestry
Concern among staff that fragile artwork’s scarce ‘light hours’ given to someone with no known interest in museum The British Museum privately hosted the Donald Trump-supporting tech billionaire Peter Thiel in the exhibition space of the Bayeux tapestry earlier this month, the Guardian understands. The museum’s director of development, Charlotte Appleyard, hosted the PayPal founder at a VIP…
On August 18, the British Museum granted Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel a VIP viewing of the Bayeux tapestry, sparking concerns among staff, according to a Guardian report. The museum has yet to address the situation, and it is uncertain whether Thiel participated in a larger group granted exclusive access to the 11th-century tapestry prior to its public debut on September 10.
Thiel's VIP entrance raised eyebrows, as the billionaire has never made an individual donation to the museum or through any of his enterprises. Some employees were worried that Thiel's private viewing might restrict public access to the ancient artwork, since the museum must restrict the amount and intensity of light that reaches the tapestry to prevent damage.
Thiel's visit to the museum was reportedly facilitated by its director of development. Museum board chair George Osbourne neither engaged with nor attended Thiel's VIP viewing. While the exhibition gallery is under construction, select private viewings have been made available to various museum stakeholders.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- What in the Devil Was Peter Thiel Doing at the British Museum? hyperallergic.com
