Professor Jack Lohman, Director of the Museum of London, has been awarded the Bene Merito honorary distinction for his efforts promoting Poland abroad.
The presentation was made by Radoslaw Sikorski, Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at a gala dinner at the Museum of London to celebrate the launch of the Museum’s latest exhibition, ‘Dickens and London’.
Professor Jack Lohman was born in London to Polish parents and studied Architecture and Conservation in Warsaw. He continues to enjoy a close relationship with Poland and visits regularly. In addition to his role at the Museum of London, Professor Jack Lohman serves as Chairman of the National Museum in Warsaw and is a board member of the Second World War Museum in Gdansk. He is a respected international speaker on heritage, particularly that of London and Poland.
Professor Jack Lohman said: “It is an honour to receive the Bene Merito. I am immensely grateful to Minister Radoslaw Sikorski for awarding me this medal. Poland and the Polish people are very dear to me. Indeed Poland, where my parents were born, is as intrinsic to my identity as London – where I was born. It brings me great pleasure to serve as a cultural ambassador for both Poland and London. I am proud to have been recognised for my work to foster understanding and goodwill around the world. Poland and London have been close friends for many years. Long may it continue.” – www.museumoflondon.org.uk