The BM still in effect operates a "don't ask, don't tell" policy on photography - see [http://www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/2011-11-14%20Visitor%20Regulations%20FINAL.pdf section 8.1] here: "8.1 Except where indicated by notices, you are permitted to use hand-held cameras (including mobile phones) with flash bulbs or flash units, and audio and film recording equipment not requiring a stand. You may use your photographs, film and audio recordings only for your own private and non-commercial purposes." The same goes for the images on their website.

But as I think Fae knows, they have in the past kindly facilitated back-stage photography of objects by Wikipedians, knowing the images will be uploaded to Commons. Matthew Cock, our former main contact left some years ago. Most "policy" matters are hard to change at the BM because of the size of the organization. Everything "would have to go to the Trustees" - an appalling vista for middle management.

No doubt the THM is trying to enforce these standard terms, reflected in the loan agreement, more strictly than the BM itself does. I'm not sure there's much point in going to or after them.

One day their main policy will improve, but they are not easy to pressure - in practice things work ok as it is, normally. 

John

John Byrne