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The British Museum or Greece: Who should lose their marbles?

Should the Elgin Marbles remain in London or return to their cultural homeland?

Over the weekend, reports emerged that the chair of the British Museum, ex-chancellor George Osborne, has been holding ‘secret’ talks with the Greek prime minister over the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece. Also known as the Elgin Marbles, the pieces have become symbolic of a wider debate about colonial legacy and restitution in the cultural world. Supporters of the marbles staying put argue they were obtained legally, but Greece says they were stolen – so should they be returned?

With thanks to The British Museum.

Guests:
- Dame Mary Beard, classicist.
- David Sanderson, arts correspondent, The Times.

Host: David Aaronovitch.

Clips: Channel 4 News, Times Radio, Reuters, CBC News, Â鶹Éç World Service, Al Jazeera, ITV Good Morning Britain, LBC, UK Parliament, LSE, Â鶹Éç Radio 4.

This podcast has been acquired by the Â鶹Éç. It is not complied by Â鶹Éç Editorial Standards but covered by the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

Release date:

11 months left to listen

30 minutes