Discussion
Seems that we’ve managed to irritate the Greeks by Rishi Sunak refusing to talk to Kyriakos Mitsotakis about the Elgin Marbles.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67551732
I’m the first to admit that I’m really not into museums, artifacts and ancient history (especially when they are not OUR artifacts…). That said, I expect there would be some people that would defend to the death our right to retain what was taken by Elgin from the Greeks in the 19th century.
However, I can’t help but think that The Empire misappropriated the Parthenon Sculptures in the first place and therefore they were never ours to keep. They should be returned.
Am I missing something? I can only imagine what Brits would say if the Greeks had somehow used Prince Philip to ‘borrow’ half of the Crown jewels and then the Greek national museum refused to hand them back.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67551732
I’m the first to admit that I’m really not into museums, artifacts and ancient history (especially when they are not OUR artifacts…). That said, I expect there would be some people that would defend to the death our right to retain what was taken by Elgin from the Greeks in the 19th century.
However, I can’t help but think that The Empire misappropriated the Parthenon Sculptures in the first place and therefore they were never ours to keep. They should be returned.
Am I missing something? I can only imagine what Brits would say if the Greeks had somehow used Prince Philip to ‘borrow’ half of the Crown jewels and then the Greek national museum refused to hand them back.
greygoose said:
Make a copy and return the originals.
Agreed, especially as they're part of a still standing building.But then, I suppose the world's art galleries are full of 'stolen' goods. I can't believe that all the exhibits in, for example, the Louvre were gifted to or purchased by the French...
Edited by catso on Tuesday 28th November 15:14
From the story details, it seems that Sinak was upset by the fact the Greek pm discussed the Parthenon marbles on BBC 1 Kuenesburg program on Sunday.
The agreement was it would be discussed in private.
Perhaps the Greek pm had decided to raise the stakes publicly.
Looks like that backfired, as it's almost unheard of that pm' s do not meet when in each other's country.
The agreement was it would be discussed in private.
Perhaps the Greek pm had decided to raise the stakes publicly.
Looks like that backfired, as it's almost unheard of that pm' s do not meet when in each other's country.
Nigel_O said:
I’m the first to admit that I’m really not into museums, artifacts and ancient history (especially when they are not OUR artifacts…). That said, I expect there would be some people that would defend to the death our right to retain what was taken by Elgin from the Greeks in the 19th century.
.
The historical record is a little more complicated than that..
Elgin arranged with the Ottoman Empire to remove the statues and paid various officials for the privilege. The site had not been well preserved by the Ottomans having been first used as an ammunition store, and blown up, and then subsequently used as a source for building supplies. Hence no doubt why Elgin thought removing the statues would be best to preserve them.
If they had not been taken to Britain what would have happened to them instead is uncertain.
I live near Elgin.
I'm worried what will happen to The Elgin Marble Company...
https://www.elgin-marble.co.uk/
I'm worried what will happen to The Elgin Marble Company...
https://www.elgin-marble.co.uk/
fck me - i just took the trouble to go to the terrible BBC based on this thread 
For the first time ever I've agreed with any political party
"Labour has described the row as "pathetic"."
Having read it - I still don't give a f
k. However, I should probably just send it back, at Greece's cost.
Job jobbed.
For the first time ever I've agreed with any political party
"Labour has described the row as "pathetic"."
Having read it - I still don't give a f
k. However, I should probably just send it back, at Greece's cost.Job jobbed.
greygoose said:
Make a copy and return the originals.
With modern scanning techniques, it is possible to make copies of the marbles that are indistinguishable from the originals, at least by merely looking at them. Put the copies on display in the BM, so making the expensive air-conditioning not longer required, and return the originals. It would even be possible to 'fill in the gaps', and replace other missing bits. A win-win I think. The other option, of putting some lead shot inside and sending the copies to Greece, would be hilarious, but ethically wrong. Probably.
Pebbles167 said:
Give them back to Greece. Seems they were going to put them in a proper museum and give them the necessary respect so I don't know why we wouldn't.
Hardly worth mugging the Greek PM off over it. Makes our country look even more ridiculous.
I would suggest the marbles are in a proper museum at the moment, and are treated with respect. There's a hut, more or less, at the Acropolis that is their intended destination. Proper museum? Not according to my Mrs.Hardly worth mugging the Greek PM off over it. Makes our country look even more ridiculous.
That's not to suggest they should not be returned of course. I'll make some money if they are. I'm running a book on how long before one or more are stolen again.
JagLover said:
Nigel_O said:
I’m the first to admit that I’m really not into museums, artifacts and ancient history (especially when they are not OUR artifacts…). That said, I expect there would be some people that would defend to the death our right to retain what was taken by Elgin from the Greeks in the 19th century.
.
The historical record is a little more complicated than that..
Elgin arranged with the Ottoman Empire to remove the statues and paid various officials for the privilege. The site had not been well preserved by the Ottomans having been first used as an ammunition store, and blown up, and then subsequently used as a source for building supplies. Hence no doubt why Elgin thought removing the statues would be best to preserve them.
If they had not been taken to Britain what would have happened to them instead is uncertain.
make copies & give them back
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