David M. Wilson facts for kids

Sir David Mackenzie Wilson (born October 30, 1931) is a British expert in archaeology and art history. He is especially known for his work on Anglo-Saxon art and the Viking Age. From 1977 to 1992, he was the Director of the British Museum. Before that, he worked at the museum as an assistant from 1955 to 1964.

As the museum's director, he was involved in a big discussion about who should own the Elgin Marbles. This was a debate with the Greek government. He even had a TV debate with the Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri, which was quite famous.

Becoming a History Expert

David Wilson was born on October 30, 1931, in Dacre Banks, England. His father was a minister, and his mother was a lecturer.

He went to Kingswood School in Bath from 1941 to 1950. After that, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge. In 1955, he earned a special degree from Lund University in Sweden.

Leading the British Museum

This picture shows Danes sailing during their invasions of England.

From 1977 to 1992, Sir David Wilson was the Director of the British Museum. He was the 17th person to hold this important job since the museum started in 1753.

Before becoming director, he worked at the British Museum as an assistant from 1955 to 1964. After that, he taught at the University of London. He became a professor of medieval archaeology there in 1971. He also helped lead the Scandinavian studies department at University College London.

During his time as Director, Sir David was also a member of several important groups. These groups helped look after ancient monuments and historic buildings in England. He also served as a trustee for other museums, like the National Museums of Scotland.

Writing About Ancient Times

Sir David Wilson has written many books about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. He also wrote about the British Museum itself.

In 1960, he published The Anglo-Saxons. In 1970, he wrote The Viking Achievement with Peter Foote. This book was praised for explaining the daily life, customs, religion, and art of Scandinavian society from 800 to 1200 AD. He also wrote Viking Art (1966) and Anglo-Saxon Art (1984).

The Famous Debate

In 1983, while he was Director of the British Museum, Sir David Wilson had a TV debate. He debated with Melina Mercouri, who was a Greek actress and the Minister of Culture for Greece.

This debate was about the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles. Many people thought this debate was a difficult moment for the British Museum.

What Are the Parthenon Marbles?

The Parthenon Marbles are very old sculptures. They were taken from the Parthenon temple in Athens, Greece, by agents of Lord Elgin. This happened after they supposedly got permission from the Ottoman Sultan.

The debate between Sir David and Melina Mercouri became a key moment for the campaign to return the marbles to Athens. Today, many international groups like UNESCO support returning them. Most people in Britain also agree they should go back to Greece.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Sir David Wilson has received many awards and honors. In 1977, he received the Order of the Polar Star from Sweden. The next year, he won the Félix Neubergh Prize. In 1984, he was made a knight, which means he can use "Sir" before his name. In 1992, he received a gold medal from the Society of Antiquaries of London.

He has also received many special degrees from universities around the world. These include degrees from the University of Stockholm, University of Aarhus, and the University of Oslo.

Memberships

Throughout his career, Sir David Wilson has been a member of many important groups. From 1957 to 1977, he was the secretary for the Society for Medieval Archaeology. He was also the president of the British Archaeological Association and the Viking Society.

He is also a fellow of the British Academy and the Society of Antiquaries of London. He is an honorary member of many other important academies and societies in places like Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Poland.

Personal life

Sir David Wilson lives on the Isle of Man. He married Eva Sjoegren, who is an author and artist, in 1955. They have two children, Simon and Kate.

See also

• List of directors of the British Museum