Neil MacGregor shows that integrity trumps sponsorship

British Museum director Neil MacGregor — our tip to be the new host of the BBC’s Civilisation — showed that integrity trumps sponsorship last night. Samsung Bluehouse hosted a private view of the museum’s new mummy exhibition, with MacGregor welcoming guests with a talk on important artefacts. When an image of an ancient axehead was shown on a screen he described it as “the most important piece of technology in history.” After a beat, he gave a wry smile: “Sorry, Samsung, but it is true.”