British Museum exec calls for ‘Parthenon partnership’ with Greece

·

The Parthenon Marbles could be returned to Greece from the United Kingdom through a new “Parthenon partnership,” the Deputy Director of the British Museum said in a recent interview.

Speaking with the Sunday Times Culture magazine, Dr Jonathan Williams said the British Museum wanted to “change the temperature of the debate” around the marbles.

“What we are calling for is an active ‘Parthenon partnership’ with our friends and colleagues in Greece,” Dr Williams said.

“I firmly believe there is space for a really dynamic and positive conversation within which new ways of working together can be found.”

The British Museum has not said it will hand the sculptures back, but Dr Williams said all sides needed to “find a way forward around cultural exchange of a level, intensity and dynamism which has not been conceived hitherto.”

The Parthenon Marbles in the British Museum. Photo: Definitely Greece.

“There are many wonderful things we’d be delighted to borrow and lend. It is what we do,” he added.

The statements are similar to those made by the Chair of the British Museum, George Osbourne, in June.

They come at a time when Greece has ramped up its demand for the Parthenon Marbles to be returned to Athens on many occasions. The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has even offered to loan some of his country’s other treasures to the British Museum in exchange.

The Parthenon Marbles have long been a source of friction between Greek governments and the Museum, where they have been on display since 1816 after they were ripped off the Parthenon by Lord Elgin.

READ MORE: New British Museum director hints at lending the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

Source: The Guardian.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Cyprus War Memorial Committee launched in New South Wales

The Cyprus War Memorial Committee was officially launched this week. Read more via The Greek Herald about what it is.

The Greek Herald honoured by Mark Coure MP at Community Recognition Morning Tea

The Greek Herald was formally recognised by NSW Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP, at a special Community Recognition Morning Tea.

Areti Ketime to perform at Zeibekiko Festival Australia 2025

Acclaimed Greek singer Areti Ketime will travel to Australia this October to perform at the third annual Zeibekiko Festival Australia.

Mates, snakes and the complexities of Greek Australian friendships

In many Greek Australian households, children grew up hearing cautionary phrases like “View today’s friends like tomorrow’s enemies.”

Strengthening Cyprus–Australia relations: Andreas Gregoriou holds talks in Canberra

During a visit to Canberra, Andreas Gregoriou met with senior Australian officials to strengthen ties in agriculture.

You May Also Like

‘We will rebuild again’: Kerry Kyriacou vows to restore burnt home and business

The property owned by the Kyriacou family and home to their joinery shop, has been reduced to ash following a fire last Thursday.

Greeks to spend Christmas in lockdown after restrictions extended until January 7

Greece on Monday extended its lockdown measures until January 7 to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Hundreds of jobs on the line as Greek Australian company goes into administration

SA Structural, one of Australia's biggest structural steel manufacturers, has fallen into administration, according to The Advertiser.