The Imperial War Museum (IWM) has ceased displaying Lord Ashcroft's extensive collection of gallantry medals, a move he characterizes as a rejection of historical valour in favour of newer institutional priorities. The gallery housing his collection of around 230 Victoria Crosses and George Crosses, operational for 15 years, was closed on September 30th. Ashcroft has announced that his collection has found a new home at the National Army Museum.
This transition follows the IWM's stated intention to "regularly update its galleries" and to "integrate" medals within broader narratives, citing a need to reflect on the entirety of conflict. The IWM asserts its commitment to displaying these stories, but will now "integrate" them across various UK branches rather than in a dedicated gallery. A significant reason cited by some reports for the closure of The Lord Ashcroft Gallery was the decreasing number of individuals who directly remember World War II.
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SHIFTING PRIORITIES OR SHUTTING DOORS?
Lord Ashcroft has voiced strong criticism, labelling the IWM the "'Imperial Woke Museum'" and suggesting its new focus includes areas such as LGBTQ+ history, exemplified by a project commemorating the 25th anniversary of the ban on gay individuals serving in the Armed Forces. Ashcroft contends that the museum's decision prioritizes contemporary social narratives over the recognition of historical acts of bravery, duty, and sacrifice. He expresses gratitude that the National Army Museum, a separate institution, "still holds dear values such as bravery, duty and sacrifice."
The collection's departure from the IWM has drawn sharp commentary, with some outlets decrying the museum's decision as a "betrayal of history" and a dismissal of the "bravest of the brave." Reports indicate that while the gallery at the IWM has closed, Ashcroft is actively exploring options for his medals to return to public display. A virtual tour of the collection is now available via a dedicated website, and a portion of the medals will be integrated into displays at the National Army Museum.
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HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection, described as the world's largest of gallantry medals, comprises decorations awarded for exceptional courage. Ashcroft, a businessman and philanthropist, has spent decades assembling this private collection, which includes not only Victoria Crosses and George Crosses but also medals for Special Forces operations and aerial valour. The collection had been on display at the IWM since 2009. The closure marks a point of divergence between a major national institution and a prominent private collector over how historical military narratives should be presented to the public.
