London, Thanasis Gavos

The commissioners of the British Museum are “exploring” with the Greeks the possibility of a solution to the dispute over the Parthenon Sculptures, writes the president of the London institution, George Osborne, in a column for the Spectator magazine.

The former British finance minister adds, however, that a solution is being sought, at least from his side, “so that the sculptures can be exhibited in London and Athens, while treasures that are now in Greece could be seen by new audiences here (in London)”.

Mr Osborne notes: “We may or may not succeed, but it’s worth trying.”

In his report he comments that the ‘Elginia Marbles’ “have always been controversial”. He writes that others, like Lord Byron, thought and still think that they should never have left Greece, but at the same time the Sculptures are seen by millions of people in the British Museum. He states that he considers the role of the Sculptors to be vital in telling the “complete” story of “our common humanity”.

He also takes aim at Boris Johnson over the former prime minister’s “concern” about the prospect of the Sculptors returning to Athens. Mr. Osborne recalls that as a student Mr. Johnson had argued with an article in favor of the return. “There must be two Boriss,” quips George Osborne.

At the same time, the newspaper Ta Nea reveals an agreement proposal for the Sculptures that has been put on the table by the Parthenon Project organization, which was founded in London by the Greek businessman Yiannis Lefas.

The proposal envisages the reunification of all the Sculptures in the Acropolis Museum and the sending to the British Museum of other ancient Greek treasures for periodic exhibitions, which will also bring financial benefit to the London institution.

A non-profit foundation to promote transnational educational, research and cultural cooperation is also envisaged under the same agreement.

As for ownership, the Parthenon Project’s proposal is to leave this thorny issue untouched and for the two sides to agree to disagree, creating a framework for “constructive dialogue”.

A Greek source in London who is monitoring the fermentations commented that this proposal would largely satisfy the Greek side, but would be more difficult to accept than the British side. However, the proposal of the Parthenon Project has been brought to the attention of both Athens and the British Museum.

In any case, it is noted that in a final agreement there could be no reference to a “loan”, as it is rejected by Athens, nor to a “permanent” reunion of the Sculptors, as this would violate the British Museum Act of 1963.