Operation METHODICAL: Protecting London’s Art During a Nuclear Attack

 

On the 6 November 1972, detailed orders were issued by HQ United Kingdom Land Forces for the removal of major national art treasures from London in the event of a nuclear attack on the UK. The codeword METHODICAL was given to this operation. Lessons for evacuating significant works of art from London during the Second World War had been adapted and expanded for re-use during the Cold War, which also saw considerations for collections in both Edinburgh and Cardiff. 

Given that the international security context has shifted back towards competition and state-on-state conflict from one of international terrorism and state failure in the post-Cold War era, perhaps now is the time to reconsider how nationally important artworks and collections can be safeguarded and their security integrated into homeland defence planning. 

Full article:  Operation METHODICAL: Protecting London’s Art During a Nuclear Attack

 

New Iraqi Museum Planned

 

The Iraqi government revealed on Saturday that preparations are underway to build a new national museum to showcase artifacts from multiple eras of Mesopotamian civilization. Speaking at the Inclusivity of Contemporary Tourist Destinations conference in Baghdad, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Ahmed al-Badri considered the meaning of the country's archaeological heritage and announced that a location has already been selected for the new museum, and that Iraq has recovered a large number of looted artifacts taken during successive periods of conflict. “What we have in storage exceeds what is currently on display,” he said. Iraq’s antiquities were heavily affected by looting after 2003 and during the takeover by vrious rebel groups of northern areas, where it is believed attempts were made to traffic artefacts to finance their operations. Officials have reported that many stolen artifacts resurfaced on the black market during ISIS’s occupation of Mosul, where the group controlled nearly 2,000 archaeological sites. Since 2008, the United States has returned more than 1,200 pieces, while other repatriations have been happening regularly.

Despite the Antiquities Trade being State-Controlled

Chris Stringer (@ChrisStringer65) on Twitter Dec 2, 2025 Astonishing collection of >4000 Neolithic artefacts that artist Ai WeiWei collected from street markets in China (@DesignMuseum 2023).

hat tip:  Reid Farmer (TR_Farmer_archaeology)