Australians being urged to join fight for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece

·

The international campaign for the restitution of one of the world’s most important cultural artefacts, the
Parthenon Sculptures, is back in the limelight with the Australian Parthenon Association (APS) calling for
Australian restitution supporters to join the cause.

APS is launching its restitution campaign, on the heels of UNESCO’s recent historical and unanimous decision in favour of the Sculptures’ return to Greece, with a seminar “All you ever wanted to know about the Parthenon Sculptures” which will be held during the Greek Festival of Sydney, May 1, 2022.

Renowned Australian businessman, author and Chairman of APS, David Hill, will be presenting the case against the British Museum which has claimed the Parthenon Sculptures as its own for the past 200 years.

David Hill

“As global calls for restitution of artefacts of significant cultural heritage mount, we’re urging all Australians to seize the opportunity to learn about The Parthenon Sculptures’ history and to join the fight for their restitution,” Mr Hill said.

“We now live in a world where we’re increasingly accepting historical truths and collectively moving toward
righting past wrongs.”

The seminar will highlight the history of the Sculptures, the forty-year impasse with the British Museum,
UNESCO’s recent restitution resolution, the Greek Prime Minister’s personal advocacy, the recent return of a Parthenon fragment from Italy, as well as looking at ‘where to from now’.

Photo by VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images

David Hill will be joined by cultural heritage consultant, and APS Vice-President, George Vardas, who will also discuss various legal issues regarding the British Museum’s disputed claims to ownership of the Sculptures.

“The British Government has recently deflected the issue back to the British Museum which maintains its
claims that the Sculptures were legally acquired according to the laws of the time,” Mr Vardas said.

“This of course is a subject of great debate and without global pressure and legal understanding we won’t be able to move past the impasse.”

The Parthenon Sculptures were stripped from the Parthenon Temple of Athens between 1801 to 1812 by the then 7th Earl of Elgin, Thomas Bruce.

In September and November 2021, UNESCO and The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, urged Britain to enter into genuine discussions to reunite the Parthenon Sculptures in the British Museum with the half that remain in Athens.

“One of the key arguments from the British Museum is that returning of the Parthenon Sculptures would open the flood gates and empty museums in the Western World of their treasures,” Mr Hill said.

“While we’re not calling for the return of every piece or artefact in every museum around the world, there are exceptional and special circumstances where cultural property should be returned.

“In November 2021, France returned 27 rare artefacts To Benin and Senegal and this was followed in February this year with the return of another two Benin Bronzes by Britain’s University of Aberdeen and Cambridge University’s Jesus College. We have also seen the return of an Easter Island Moai statue, from the Natural History Museum in Santiago, Chile.

“Similarly, The Parthenon Sculptures are indisputably the cultural heritage that belongs to and is inextricably linked to the modern Greeks. They are the keys to Greece’s ancient history.

“It’s time for the Parthenon Sculptures to go home.”

Australians wishing to join the cause for restitution can register for the “All you ever wanted to know about the return of the Parthenon Sculptures” seminar here.

Seminar details:

  • DATE: May 1, 2022
  • TIME: 5:30pm – 8pm
  • VENUE: Ainsworth Theatre
    Ainsworth Building J17
    Engineering Road
    UNSW, Kensington

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sam Konstas returns to Test side as Australia shakes up top order

Rising star Sam Konstas has earned a recall to Australia’s Test side for the opening match against the West Indies.

Stella Magnisalis demands inquiry into SA police force after ex jailed

Ex-wife Stella Magnisalis of a former South Australia Police detective has accused the force of protecting her abusive partner for years.

Paris Coudounellis sentenced for breaking into ex’s home and crawling into his bed

Paris Coudounellis has been sentenced after breaching an apprehended violence order by cutting open flyscreens and sneaking into her ex's bed

Libya accuses Greece of sovereignty breach over hydrocarbon tender

Tensions have flared between Greece and Libya, with Libya accusing Athens of infringing on its sovereign rights over disputed maritime zones.

Israel-Iran conflict escalates: Nuclear sites targeted as civilians flee to Cyprus

The Israel-Iran conflict has reached a critical new phase, with escalating military strikes and rising civilian casualties.

You May Also Like

Akrothalassa Festival: A triumph of Pontian culture, cuisine and tattoos in Victoria

Pontians are known for their passion, strong work ethic, and joy of life. All three were on display when Pontians flocked to Rye Foreshore.

Study reveals up to 50 percent of men in Greece experience sleep apnea

Pulmonologist Anastasia Amfilochiou predicted a drastic increase of sleep apnea in men aged 40 to 60, with an increase in obesity as being the main cause.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James lead All-Star teams in honouring Kobe and Gianna Bryant

The NBA's All-Stars will be playing this year with Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant in their minds and on their jerseys. So, coming soon: No....