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LONDON, Jul 16, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Many museums across Britain are in jeopardy of closing as their financing from area government councils becomes increasingly limited.
The Observer said a recent research report from the Art Fund reveals numerous museums are on the brink of financial ruin due to the lack of appropriated funds -- and could follow the lead of the Type Museum in London and close their doors.
"It's not survival of the fittest, it's survival of the luckiest," said David Barrie, the director of the Art Fund. "They might happen to be in the right place. These are good museums. The fact that a local authority is short of cash is not a good enough reason to close them."
Yet while most British museums are floundering financially, some are thriving. London's Victoria and Albert Museum recently opened an Islamic art gallery based around nearly $10 million in donations.
The newspaper reported that the new gallery is set to be opened by Prince Charles on Thursday and will feature the famed Ardabil carpet.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
