British Museum hints at ‘sharing’ Parthenon Marbles with Greece

·

George Osborne, the Chair of the British Museum in the United Kingdom, said on Thursday a deal is in the works that could see the Parthenon Marbles shared with Greece.

“I think there is a way forward where these sculptures… could be seen both in London and in Athens, and that will be a win-win for Greece and for us,” he told the BBC.

When asked if that meant loans, he said: “We’re talking to the Greek government about that, about a new arrangement and what I didn’t want to do is force the Greeks to accept things that they find impossible, and equally they can’t force on us things that we would find impossible.”

So far, Osborne added, the British Museum was having “constructive talks” with the Greek government about the marbles.

George Osborne, the Chair of the British Museum in the United Kingdom.

The Parthenon Marbles were stolen by British diplomat Lord Elgin from the imposing Parthenon temple in Athens in the early 19th century.

The Greek government argues the sculptures were taken illegally when Greece was under Ottoman Turkish occupation and have consistently called for their return to Athens.

But Osborne ruled out a scenario where the sculptures could be handed over permanently, saying it would need a change of UK law.

“If we wanted to send all the Elgin Marbles back then that would require an act of parliament, and that would be beyond my authority,” he said. “But what the museum can do is try and form a new relationship with Greece… I’m reasonably optimistic.”

Source: AP News.

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

Australia stands with Greece: Prime Minister Albanese’s message for OXI Day

On the 85th anniversary of OXI Day, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shared a heartfelt message.

Democracy on the big screen: Youth shine at the 13th Greek Student Film Festival

13th Greek Student Film Festival - staged within Sydney's 30th Greek Film Festival - filled the cinema with laughter and plenty of Greek.

Panayiota Dimopoulos’ OXI Day artwork takes pride of place on The Greek Herald cover

Panayiota Dimopoulos from Oakleigh Grammar designed The Greek Herald’s OXI Day cover, capturing the shared history of Greece and Australia.

Greek and Cypriot leaders honour OXI Day with messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora

Greek and Cypriot politicians and diplomats have issued messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora ahead of the OXI Day celebrations.

Greek Film Festival wraps 30th year with a triumphant Sydney finale

The curtain fell on the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney on Sunday night with a sold-out screening of Athens Midnight Radio.

You May Also Like

On This Day in 1974: PASOK was established

On September 3, 1974, Andreas Papandreou announced the establishment of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK).

Russia damages Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv airstrike

A Russian overnight airstrike on Kyiv has damaged the Saint Sophia Cathedral, one of Ukraine’s most iconic landmarks and World Heritage site.

Greek man stabbed to death inside his Sydney home

Kevin Kourtis died from multiple stab wounds after five men allegedly stormed into his home in Riverstone just after midnight.