The director of the British Museum, Hartwig Fischer, sparked outrage last month following his suggestion that the removal of the Parthenon marbles from Greece in the 19th century could be viewed as “creative”. Continue reading
Tag: British museum
UK museums oppose clampdown on ivory trade
A campaign by the Duke of Cambridge to enforce a total ban on the ivory trade has been met by a wave of opposition from prominent UK museums, historians and antiques experts.
Current legislation prohibits the sale of ivory items carved after 1947. Now government ministers are considering proposals to extend the ban on the ivory trade to objects over 70 years old. Continue reading
UK rejects Greece’s appeal to negotiate the return of the ever-controversial Elgin marbles
At the end of last month the British Museum and the UK Government formally declined UNESCO’s request to enter into mediation on the subject of transferring the Parthenon marbles back to Greece. Removed by Lord Elgin from the Parthenon temple in Athens in the 1800s, the marbles were sold to the British Museum in 1816 and have remained there ever since. The sculptures date from 447-432 BC, and are divided between London and a purpose built museum in Athens. Continue reading
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