Speaking to the Financial Times, Dr Cullinan expressed optimism about the prospect of a similar deal for the marbles, which has long proved a diplomatic sticking point between the British and Greek governments.
“I would hope that some tangible progress can happen. It would be a wonderful thing,” he said.
Athens first officially demanded the permanent restitution of the marbles in 1983.
Negotiations gained momentum from 2021, when George Osborne, then the museum’s chairman, entered into confidential discussions with the Greek prime minister to seek a resolution.
Upon entering Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer signalled he would not stand in the way of a loan arrangement whereby sections of the frieze would travel to Athens for defined periods, with major Greek antiquities displayed in London in return.
Greece, however, has consistently maintained that nothing short of full ownership will suffice, arguing that the sculptures belong in their historical homeland.
The Art Newspaper writes that PM Andy Burnham has reversed his position:
- The UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backtracked on sending the Parthenon Marbles to Greece despite previously calling for the artefacts to be returned permanently to their country of origin. Burnham, who became prime minister in July, recently told The Financial Times: “Ultimately [returning the Marbles is] an issue for the British Museum, isn’t it?” He added: “Legally that’s where that issue rests, but I’m all in favour of using British cultural diplomacy. That’s something that I’m hugely in favour of.” In 2023, when he was mayor of greater Manchester, Burnham had expressed unequivocal support for returning the Parthenon Marbles with ‘no strings’ attached.
