'Hoarding' Art Museums Warned

Too many works of art and historical artefacts are hidden from public view. Arts minister Estelle Morris says major museums in England should allow smaller galleries to exhibit undisplayed items. She said there was a growing appetite for "serious" culture in the country and called for the "cultural centre of gravity" to move away from London. Her comments come as a consultation paper on the future of museums in England is published. While large parts of major London collections are rarely seen by the public, museums outside the capital are crying out to show fresh items, the former education secretary added. A spokeswoman for the British Museum said there were a number of reasons for keeping artefacts in storage. For the full story - click the title Irish Art