Discussions between the British Museum and Greek officials on the possible reunification of the Parthenon Marbles in Athens are “well advanced,” according to sources close to the negotiations. Despite their progress, the issue is expected to take a backseat when UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for bilateral talks in London today.
A spokesperson for Starmer stated that the UK government’s position on the marble remains unchanged: the decision lies with the British Museum, and there are no plans to amend legislation preventing the sculptures’ permanent return. Nonetheless, private discussions between the museum’s chair, George Osborne, and Greek foreign ministry representatives are nearing “an agreement in principle.” Inside sources have told Artlyst that this will involve a massive cultural loan scheme.
The Parthenon Marbles, carved by the renowned ancient Greek sculptor Phidias in the 5th century BCE, were removed from the Acropolis in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, then the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. The panels have remained in the British Museum in London since 1816 but have been hotly contended, with the Greek Government seeking their return to complete all pieces in one unified archeologic site currently exhibited at the Acropolis Museum.
Mitsotakis has prioritised the sculptures’ restitution but has stayed out of direct involvement in the talks in recent months. Greek officials denied reports that the prime minister had participated in discussions or that Greece would concede to terms recognising British ownership. “The issue of the Parthenon sculptures remains a permanent demand,” government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said, adding that the dialogue is between the British Museum and the Greek foreign ministry.
Despite ongoing talks since 2021, recent changes in political and institutional attitudes have created what the Greek foreign minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, called a “critical mass of political will.” Speaking earlier in the year, Gerapetritis said he felt that an agreement was possible given that a cultural partnership could be achieved. Such a deal would involve the marble going back to Athens in return for high-profile Greek artworks going to the UK for major exhibitions.
Sources say the current negotiations are about the logistics, an unprecedented task in moving such priceless artefacts to Greece. The British Museum is calling the discussions “constructive.”
The argument over the marbles has long symbolised broader cultural heritage and restitution questions. The UK’s handling of the issue was scrutinised last year when then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak abruptly cancelled a planned meeting with Mitsotakis after the Greek leader compared the fragmented frieze to the Mona Lisa being split in two. That diplomatic misstep inadvertently boosted global awareness of Greece’s campaign for repatriation.
With talks ongoing, the outcome is far from certain. Still, if the reports of both sides working toward a mutually beneficial agreement are accurate, the Parthenon Marbles could soon find themselves closer to their home and, along with it, a new era of cross-cultural collaboration.
Photo: P C Robinson © Artlyst 2024