Much of the discussion related to decolonising museums has focused on their capacity to repatriate objects as part of redressing the colonial wounds they inflict onto source communities.
Whilst there has been extensive coverage both within and outside of academia pertaining to the arguments that are either pro- or anti-return, limited consideration has been given to how unique stakeholders like museum volunteers feel about such processes.
Drawing upon interviews and participant observation at the British Museum, this paper explores the general sentiments of public-facing volunteers regarding calls to repatriate objects, and the resultant tensions that emerge because of the idea of the universal museum and the official ‘Museum of the World’ discourse promoted by the organisation.
- When asked what motivated them to volunteer, Volunteers B16 and B17 commented on the importance of their practice as it not only provided opportunities for self-fulfilment by being able to learn more about the ‘world’ and to enhance the overall visitor experience, but also opportunities for self-expression by socialising with their fellow volunteers and visitors from all over the globe.
- Volunteer B10 stated that this topic has become of increasing importance as of late, particularly concerning objects beyond the Parthenon Marbles, for example, the Benin Bronzes or Hoa Hakananai’ai, and how they feel that the Museum has an increasing responsibility to be sensitive towards its various audiences and especially those who are more in favour of returning objects.
- Volunteer B4 stressed the need for ‘nuance’ when approaching repatriation. This is because they felt there was a need to go beyond a blanket approach to returning objects and recognise the specific circumstances in which objects were sourced and consider the implications of return.
