Another prominent voice has weighed into one of the biggest cases of cultural restitution, with Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, saying that the UK and Greece should share the Elgin (Parthenon) Marbles.
Speaking to Ta Nea, a Greek newspaper, Khan said he couldn’t see why the British Museum, Acropolis Museum and the British and Greek governments “can’t come to an accommodation to share these wonderful, wonderful Elgin Marbles”.
The sculptures, which date back to the fifth century BC, have been housed in the British Museum since 1817.
Western frieze, II, 2
In recent years, where the Marbles should be housed and displayed has become a fiercely debated topic. George Osborne, the former chancellor of the exchequer and current Chairman of the British Museum, has previously said, “there is a deal to be done”, and late last year, it was reported that “talks were at an advanced stage”.
A deal has, however, been criticised by current Tory politicians. Liz Truss, during her brief stint as Prime Minister, refuted Osborne’s claims, while Michelle Donelan said the Marbles “belong in the UK” soon after being appointed the culture secretary. And, most crucially, Rishi Sunak said, “The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it” when he was last asked about the Marbles in March this year.
Sadiq Khan attending the Pride parade in London on 1 July, 2023
In the interview published on 1 July, Khan said: “I obviously want Londoners to be able to see the Elgin [Parthenon] Marbles, but I don’t see why the British Museum, the British government, the government of Greece and the museum in Athens can’t come to an accommodation to share these wonderful, wonderful Elgin Marbles.
“I’d really encourage the British Museum, the British government, the government of Greece and the Acropolis Museum in Athens to talk about how we can make more progress on this very issue. I think it’s important to have these discussions.”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis won last month’s Greek general election to remain Prime Minister. He said, in the run-up to the elections: “We will never recognise that these sculptures are owned, legally owned by the British Museum… But again, we have to be constructive and we have to be innovative if a solution is to be found.”
And so it rumbles on…
