“There are no such things as the Elgin Marbles” – Melina Mercouri
In the early years of the 19th century Lord Elgin, while Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, had a number of sculptures and other artifacts from the Parthenon shipped home.
The majority reside in the British Museum, although many suspect that there are some pieces in the Elgin family estate in Fife.
Ever since, there has been controversy surrounding the removal. Did Elgin really get the necessary authorisation to remove them? No firmin (document of authorisation) has ever been produced to support his claim.
Understandably, the Greeks want them back, but all efforts over the last 200 or so years have been rebuffed by the British Museum and the UK government. David Wilkinson’s fine, if perhaps slightly overlong, documentary sets out the argument for their return. A life’s work, the film has been self-financed and while it cannot be said to be an impartial look at the situation – Wilkinson obviously feels the Marbles should be returned – he gives access to differing points of view without comment.
But he also makes the case that other countries, and indeed institutions within the UK have begun repatriating artefacts. Scotland, for instance, where Glasgow returned the Lakota Ghost Shirt to the indigenous First Nation, has taken a much more enlightened view than the trustees of the British Museum.
Wilkinson’s interviewees include lawyer Mark Stephens who has spent some years working to get the Marbles returned (he has also worked on cases of Nazi looting of valuables, which is perhaps a comparison that many would not wish to draw), retired Director of Manchester Museum Tristram Besterman and actress Janet Suzman, Chair of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. All those and many others make solid cases for the return.
From what Wilkinson shows us of the argument for keeping them, the British Museum’s case seems largely based on the attitude that “we’ve got them and we’re keeping them”. This does lead one to wonder how the UK government would react if the situation was reversed.
I think it appropriate to close this piece with a quote from the Director: “In the grand scheme of things, returning the Parthenon Marbles is a relatively minor issue. However, in a fractured and divided world, we must value friendly nations with whom we share many commonalities and treat one another with respect. Greece is a friend to the UK, but we are not showing this friend the esteem and decency they deserve. After more than 200 years, it is time to correct a historic wrong and “do the right thing.”
I for one find it hard to disagree.
The Marbles: A David Wilkinson film
Presented by Guerilla Films, JoJo Films and Tull Stories
In cinemas from 7th November 2025
Jim Welsh
Radio Summerhall Arts 