In this engaging discussion, Dame Mary Beard, a classicist and esteemed British Museum trustee, delves into the historical journey of the Elgin Marbles and their contentious ownership. David Sanderson, The Times' arts correspondent, adds insight into the cultural implications of returning these artifacts to Greece. They explore the marbles' significance to Greek identity, and the ethical challenges surrounding cultural restitution, highlighting parallels with other historical treasures. The debate remains a thought-provoking mix of heritage, pride, and modern ethical dilemmas.
Recent UK government discussions signal a potential shift towards negotiating the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece, reflecting changing attitudes.
The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for museums to reconsider their roles in cultural restitution amidst evolving public sentiment on colonial pasts.
Deep dives
The Debate on the Elgin Marbles
The ongoing discussion about whether the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece has gained renewed attention following a meeting between UK and Greek leaders. Previously, a more rigid stance from the UK government impeded talks, but recent opening remarks from officials indicate a willingness to negotiate. The former Chancellor of the Exchequer, now the chair of the British Museum, has acknowledged the potential for dialogue and has praised the current political climate. This shift suggests that a compromise regarding the return or loan of the marbles may be on the horizon, reflecting changing attitudes toward cultural heritage.
Historical Context of the Parthenon
The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was built in the 5th century BCE as a temple and a display of Athenian power, symbolizing both cultural identity and imperial wealth. This architectural achievement housed treasures and offerings to Athena while also showcasing the spoils from Athenian conquests. Throughout its history, the Parthenon has been a subject of contention, as it served not only as a religious site but also as a repository for Athenian treasure. The marbles taken by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, amid political turmoil in Athens, are now emblematic of larger issues surrounding cultural ownership.
The Case for Restitution
Restitution, defined as the returning of cultural artifacts taken during colonial times, has become a pressing topic, particularly in the wake of recent movements calling for accountability regarding historical injustices. The return of numerous looted artifacts, such as the Benin bronzes, has escalated the discourse around museums' roles in the preservation and display of cultural heritage. Greece's ongoing campaign for the Elgin Marbles aligns with this broader trend of restoring artifacts to their places of origin, emphasizing the need for museums to confront their colonial past. This debate underscores the complexities and moral arguments tied to artifacts that hold significant cultural symbolism.
Future of Cultural Museums
The role of museums is being scrutinized as they navigate increasing demands for restitution and the shifting perception of cultural ownership. Institutions like the British Museum face pressure to reconsider the implications of their collections, particularly as public sentiment evolves regarding historical acquisitions. Discussions suggest that museums could explore long-term loans of controversial artifacts as a means to address claims while still maintaining their collections. The dialogue surrounding cultural heritage is likely to continue, hinting at a future where museums may need to adopt more collaborative and transparent approaches to their artifacts.
This week, No 10 confirmed it wouldn’t stand in the way of a deal to return the Elgin Marbles to their original home in Athens. The comments came after a meeting between Keir Starmer and his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Our former host David Aaronovitch spoke to classicist and British Museum trustee Dame Mary Beard about how the Parthenon sculptures ended up in the UK 200 years ago.
This episode was first broadcast on 5 December 2022.
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Guests:
- Dame Mary Beard, classicist.
- David Sanderson, Arts Correspondent, The Times.
With thanks to The British Museum.
Host: David Aaronovitch.
Clips: Channel 4 News, Times Radio, Reuters, CBC News, BBC World Service, Al Jazeera, ITV Good Morning Britain, LBC, UK Parliament, LSE.