The Elgin Marbles could be loaned to Greece as the British Museum director welcomed a “wonderful” potential agreement between Westminster and Athens.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan pointed to the recent Bayeux Tapestry loan, agreed between Britain and France, as “a very compelling example of international partnership” that demonstrated the value of “reciprocal exchange.”
Speaking to the Financial Times, Dr Cullinan expressed optimism about the prospect of a similar deal for the marbles, which has long proved a diplomatic sticking point between the British and Greek governments.
“I would hope that some tangible progress can happen. It would be a wonderful thing,” he said.
The artefacts, officially titled the Parthenon Sculptures, have been at the centre of one of the art world’s most protracted and acrimonious ownership battles.
Athens first officially demanded the permanent restitution of the marbles in 1983.
Negotiations gained momentum from 2021, when George Osborne, then the museum’s chairman, entered into confidential discussions with the Greek prime minister to seek a resolution.
Upon entering Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer signalled he would not stand in the way of a loan arrangement whereby sections of the frieze would travel to Athens for defined periods, with major Greek antiquities displayed in London in return.
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Greece, however, has consistently maintained that nothing short of full ownership will suffice, arguing that the sculptures belong in their historical homeland.
Andy Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir as Labour leader, told the Financial Times this week that the sculptures’ future was a matter for the British Museum to determine, a notable shift from his earlier stance calling for the artefacts to be sent back to Greece permanently.
Dr Cullinan, who previously led the National Portrait Gallery and served as a curator at Tate, cautioned against changing the British Museum Act 1963 to permit the permanent removal of items from the collection, warning of “unintended consequences” for the institution’s eight million objects.
He framed the existing legal protections as a safeguard, adding: “I’m glad that, when the pandemic began in 2020, museums couldn’t begin a fire sale of their collections, because that definitely would have happened if the law had not prevented de-accession.”
The Elgin Marbles have long caused friction between the British and Greek governments
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GETTYMr Cullinan acknowledged that securing the tapestry loan had not been straightforward, but argued this should encourage rather than discourage efforts regarding the sculptures.
He said: “You would hope the fact that it took several goes to pull off the Bayeux Tapestry loan might provide a glimmer of possibility to move forward.”
The tapestry made the journey through the Channel Tunnel last month under police escort, despite concerns about its fragility, the fabric has roughly 1,000 holes, dozens of unstabilised tears and thousands of stains, with Mr Cullinan insisting it was in “fantastic condition.”
The exhibition runs until next July, coinciding with loans of Sutton Hoo treasures and the Lewis Chessmen to France.
The tapestry is coming to the British Museum
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PAThe late David Hockney accused the museum of “vanity” in moving the artefact from Normandy, echoing worries within the art establishment.
Meanwhile, the museum’s planned £1billion redevelopment of its Western Range galleries could create further opportunities, with the institution confirming that artefacts including the Parthenon Sculptures may be lent out during the decade-long project.
Tickets went on sale in July to see the tapestry, with tickets priced at £33 during peak times and £27 at off-peak times.
This is almost triple the €12 (£10.27) that it normally costs visitors to see the tapestry in its usual spot in Normandy.
French Ambassador Helene Duchene, Director of the British Museum, Dr Nicholas Cullinan and Chair of Trustees at the British Museum, George Osborne launched the campaign
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PASpeaking about the hefty price, Dr Cullinan told the BBC: “[The exhibition was] really expensive exhibition for us to put on as a charity, and so we do need to recoup those funds”.
“The majority of tickets are off-peak, so they’re less, and all children under 16 will see it for free. We felt it was very important to make this something that all young people have access to.”
Two further ticket releases will be made in October and January for access between January to March, and April to July 2027.
Dr Cullinan added: “It will be laid flat, which is the best way to show it in terms of conservation, but the other thing that’s very exciting is it will be shown in one long line. This is the first time in centuries that people will be able to see the entire length of the tapestry.”