British Museum's Proposed Red, White and Blue Ball for 2026 Sparks Debate
The British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan has proposed hosting a red, white and blue ball in 2026 to commemorate the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from Normandy, featuring a Union Jack and French tricolore theme. This proposal has sparked a row, with staff from curatorial and administrative departments expressing concerns that the event might be in poor taste amid the ongoing rise of far-right flag campaigns across the UK.
A group called Operation Raise the Colours has been active in hoisting national flags and reportedly received a donation from the far-right group Britain First, adding to the sensitivity surrounding the use of national symbols. Meanwhile, Culture Unstained criticized the association with Isha Ambani, co-chair of the museum's inaugural fundraising ball, highlighting her connection to Reliance Industries and its fossil fuel ties.
The museum’s first fundraising ball, held in October with a pink theme, attracted about 8,000 attendees, charged £2,000 per ticket, and raised approximately £2.5 million for international partnerships. Notable attendees included Naomi Campbell, Alexa Chung, Miuccia Prada, Manolo Blahnik, Sir Steve McQueen, Sir Grayson Perry, and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas. The museum has stated that the inaugural ball secured significant funding and that details for the autumn 2026 ball will be announced at a later date. Cullinan has expressed his ambition for the event to become a flagship national occasion.
Professor Nick Groom weighed in on the debate, emphasizing that national symbols like the Union Jack should reflect a nuanced history and warning against their politicization.
