Parthenon sculptures could be ‘homeward bound’, ‘The Times’ reports
FILE PHOTO: Visitors look at the ‘The Parthenon Marbles’ collection, also known as the ‘Elgin Marbles’, at the British Museum in London, Britain. EPA, FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The Parthenon Marbles long held at the British Museum in London could be “homeward bound” according to a lead article in the newspaper “The Times” on Thursday, which reported “signs” that the museum’s director George Osborne may be close to announcing a compromise that will allow the sculptures to return to Athens as an open-ended loan.
In exchange, it said, other exhibits stored in the Acropolis Museum will be given for “rather shorter loans”.
This proposal, according to the article, “would circumvent the obstacle presented by the fact that the trustees of the British Museum own the friezes and are prevented by law from giving them away.”
“The Times” noted that “congratulations are due to George Osborne” for his readiness to agree on the deal, which it said has already been drawn up.
A majority of public opinion in Britain is in favour of returning the sculptures to Greece, though there are still conservative voices on the board of the British Museum that strongly resist the idea.
The newspaper also notes its own changed position on the issue about a year earlier, in an article published in January 11, 2022, when it wrote:
“For more than 50 years, artists and politicians have argued that artefacts so fundamental to a nation’s cultural identity should return to Greece. The museum and the British government, supported by The Times, have resisted the pressure. But times and circumstances change. The sculptures belong in Athens. They should now return.”
Source: ANA – MPA
Ακολουθήστε τη HELLAS JOURNAL στη NEWS GOOGLE