Overview

Why are we still arguing over the Parthenon Marbles? This book offers a fresh take on the history of those famous pieces of ancient sculpture removed from the Acropolis in Athens by Lord Elgin’s men in the early 19th century. It explains how they became the cause célèbre of the larger debates around cultural heritage and restitution now taking place. The subject is one that is currently embroiling museums, governments, universities and the public at large. Herman provides a balanced, thorough and critical account of the history of the Marbles, while considering the legalities of their initial removal and the ethics of their retention by the British Museum. It incorporates the views of curators, museum directors, lawyers, archaeologists, politicians and others in both London and Athens. It explains why this particular dispute has not been satisfactorily resolved, and suggests new ways of seeking resolution – for the Parthenon Marbles and for the many other cultural treasures held in museum collections outside their countries of origin. The book sets out a way forward for this famously intractable dispute, one based on evidence of past practice, legal rules around the transfer of cultural objects and the role of museums in negotiating international exchanges.

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9781509967186

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Alexander Herman has written a lucid and engaging guide to the world’s longest-standing cultural dispute. Like so many of us, he hopes for its resolution, and is scrupulously fair and even-handed in explaining how this might happen. * Barnaby Phillips, author of 'Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes' *

Alexander Herman has written a lucid and engaging guide to the world’s longest-standing cultural dispute. Like so many of us, he hopes for its resolution, and is scrupulously fair and even-handed in explaining how this might happen. * Barnaby Phillips, author of 'Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes' * Anyone with an interest in world history and cultural heritage will learn a lot from reading this careful study of the world's toughest argument over art and restitution. Its approach is both rigorous and empathetic, an impressive combination. * Bruce Clark, Economist writer on history, culture and ideas, Author of 'Athens: City of Wisdom' * It is a remarkable achievement to write with such balance and authority on so fraught a question, even more impressive when so many believe they have an answer; from now on no-one should venture an opinion without reading this gripping and important analysis. * Sir Alan Moses, former Lord Justice of Appeal and co-chair of the UK's Spoliation Advisory Panel *

Author Information

Alexander Herman is Director of the Institute of Art and Law, UK.

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