Return the Parthenon Marbles and the 6th Caryatid sister to the Acropolis in Greece.

Recent signers:
Caroline Boyd and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

To the British Government,

The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, including the 6th Carytid from Erechtheion , that were removed from the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. These sculptures have been housed in the British Museum since 1816 and have been a source of controversy ever since.

It is time for these priceless works of art to be returned to their rightful home on the Acropolis. The Greek government has repeatedly requested their return, and there is widespread support for this among both Greeks and people around the world who appreciate cultural heritage.

The removal of these sculptures was done without permission from Greece, which was then under Ottoman rule. Furthermore, Lord Elgin's methods were highly questionable - he had no legal right to remove them and many believe that he damaged them during their removal.

Returning these sculptures would not only be an act of justice but would also promote cultural understanding between Britain and Greece. It would also set a precedent for other countries to return artifacts that were taken without permission or under questionable circumstances.

We urge you to take action on this matter and begin negotiations with Greece for the return of these important pieces of history.

Sources:
- https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/objects-lent-and-repatriated/parthenon-sculptures
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/05/world/europe/elgin-marbles-greece-britain.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2014/nov/13/elgin-marbles-return-greece-britain-loans

131

Recent signers:
Caroline Boyd and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

To the British Government,

The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, including the 6th Carytid from Erechtheion , that were removed from the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. These sculptures have been housed in the British Museum since 1816 and have been a source of controversy ever since.

It is time for these priceless works of art to be returned to their rightful home on the Acropolis. The Greek government has repeatedly requested their return, and there is widespread support for this among both Greeks and people around the world who appreciate cultural heritage.

The removal of these sculptures was done without permission from Greece, which was then under Ottoman rule. Furthermore, Lord Elgin's methods were highly questionable - he had no legal right to remove them and many believe that he damaged them during their removal.

Returning these sculptures would not only be an act of justice but would also promote cultural understanding between Britain and Greece. It would also set a precedent for other countries to return artifacts that were taken without permission or under questionable circumstances.

We urge you to take action on this matter and begin negotiations with Greece for the return of these important pieces of history.

Sources:
- https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/objects-lent-and-repatriated/parthenon-sculptures
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/05/world/europe/elgin-marbles-greece-britain.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2014/nov/13/elgin-marbles-return-greece-britain-loans

Support now

131


Supporter Voices

Petition updates