British Museum in the thick of it over BP protest

Just what was the substance poured around a famous statue by arts activists at the British Museum yesterday? (writes Andrew Gilchrist) In a protest against the museum's acceptance of BP sponsorship money, Culture Beyond Oil targeted its Hoa Hakananai'a Easter Island statue. The activists, who prompted the temporary closure of some galleries, said the substance poured over the statue's plinth was "non-toxic black oil". However, in a statement, the British Museum said it was molasses. How could they be so certain, the Diary asked? "This was confirmed by our conservation team," came the reply.