London, by Thanasis Gavou

The British Museum wants to focus on international collaborations and “sharing” objects, said the London institution’s new director Nicholas Callinan, who was also asked about the theoretical scenario of debating a change in the law that prohibits the permanent removal of objects from the museum’s collection. .

The 46-year-old art historian, who took over in March, was asked to speak in a BBC radio interview on Thursday about the future of the institution he now leads and the future of the Parthenon Sculptures.

First, in a general context about the British Museum, he said: “I think there is a real choice here to think about how nationally and internationally we can collaborate, share artefacts, knowledge, expertise, ideas and academic work. It could be very exciting.”

To the question of whether the loan would work in the case of the Parthenon Sculptures as it would be very difficult for any Greek government to take them and then return them, he answered:

“I know this is a long-running conversation. I hope that cooperation in some form is possible and I think that is something that we would definitely like to move forward with. I think it’s a little premature for me to go into detail about how it might work. But I’m optimistic.”

When asked whether the change of government in London is an opportunity for a quick return of the Sculptors, as argued in a recent article by the British former Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Dennis McShane, Mr. Callinan answered rather negatively:

“I think in terms of timing, it’s going to take as long as it takes, I think you can’t rush these things. It wouldn’t be an argument that would convince me very much.”

He was then asked if he would support a change to the 1963 Act which prohibits the permanent removal of objects from the British Museum’s collection if e.g. that something like this was sought by the new Minister of Culture. He initially avoided answering, referring to a “theoretical discussion” with “unknown parameters”.

However, when asked by the BBC reporter if he himself would be ready to discuss such a thing, he said: “There is definitely a discussion to be had (around this) and it is something to be explored.”

However, following the discussion, he returned to the topic and emphasized that changing the law “is something that concerns the parliament”.

He added that “what we can do is collaborate and share, and I think that’s something I’m very focused on.”

As his vision for the Museum he said he wants to make it live in the present and find ways to change in a positive way some of the most difficult aspects surrounding the museum debate, e.g. how it can be “generous” and develop synergies nationally and internationally.

He called it a “really compelling idea” for the British Museum to function as a “lending library” for the world.

Regarding the mass theft of objects from the Museum’s warehouses, he admitted that he was shocked and worried when he heard the news, although he emphasized that about half of the stolen items have been recovered and that there are now increased security measures.