Marbles Reunited

Marbles Reunited News

Newsletter of the Marbles Reunited Campaign

No. 9 Winter 2012

Another Famous Victory for Marbalistas

Stephen Fry and Andrew George MP sway public vote at Intelligence2 debate.

Stephen Fry and Andrew George turned around an audience at an Intel- result: 384 in favour of sending the Marbles back and 125 opposed. ligence Squared/BBC World News debate in London during the summer. Both Stephen and Andrew comfortably rebutted the usual arguments that it would “open the floodgates”, leading to the emptying of the British Museum and indeed other museums and the more recent claim by the British Museum that it would undermine our ability to compare and contrast human achievements, culture and endeavour across the world over time!

Before

After

196 202

Stephen Fry, famous actor, writer, comedian and broadcaster was joined

by Andrew George MP, who chairs Marbles Reunited in Britain.

They proposed the motion “Send Them Back: The Parthenon Marbles Should be Returned to Athens” and were opposed by Professor Tristram Hunt MP (a broadcaster, historian, newspaper columnist and Labour MP) and Professor Felipe Fernandez-Armesto (Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame). Zeinab Badawi, BBC World News presenter chaired the debate.

Before and after poll results of the Intelligence2 Debate

Stephen Fry appealed to the audience that Britain should take a lead through what he described as a “graceful act” of returning the Marbles. Andrew said that “it would put right a wrong...the manner in which the Marbles were pillaged from an occupied country using a dodgy dossier”. He said that “if the Marbles needed protective custody, then that job is done now. We cannot hold on to them forever.”

Both Stephen and Andrew argued that on the one hand we can persist with clinging on to the Greek Marbles, as excuses wear thin, until forced into a cringe-making, shameful climb-down; or that we can demonstrate that Britain has better instincts than the rather arrogant acquisitiveness that we have displayed at times before. We should lead an initiative to reunify the Marbles, a British triumph. Doing the right thing. A graceful act. We are seen to offer and co-operate. Britain standing proud. Enhancing our reputation.

Before commencing a poll was taken of the audience and the results were 196 for the motion to send the marbles back and 202 against the motion. Records of the debate can be found at http://www.intelligencesquared.com/events/parthenon-marbles/ By the end of the evening the audience had been turned around with the Photos by Tim Bowditch/Intelligence Squared Marbles Reunited News

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London International Colloquy 2012

This colloquy was the third part of a trilogy of marbles-related events in the month leading up to the London 2012 Olympics. The others were the poll of readers of the Museums Association Journal (73% in favour of reunification), in response to an article it published on the colloquy, and the IQ2 debate (75% in favour).The colloquy was organised by the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles in partnership with the American Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures and the International Organising Committee – Australia – for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles (Inc).

Literary Desk Editor of the Sunday Times. The colloquy concluded on day 2 with the launch of the “Missing Since 1801” campaign at the BM. Legal aspects were covered by the former MP Andrew Dismore, who showed in detail how the issue could be resolved by legislation to repeal the British Museum Act 1963 section 5

Thanks are due to Marlen Taffarello, Margaret Gilbert and Stuart O’Hara for their invaluable administrative support, and to the Greek The results of the poll of readers of the Mu- Ambassador HE Aristides Sandis who hosted a reception for the parseum Association Journal were 73% in favour ticipants at his residence. of reunification .

Elena Korka from the Greek Ministry of Culture gave a scholarly analysis of the legality of Elgin’s acquisition of the Marbles. Kostas Tsarouchas of Alithia publications presented his recently published edition of facsimile documents demonstrating the early interest of the Greek national state in recovering the marbles.

Tributes were paid for distinguished long term service to Eleni Cubitt, by the distinguished Byzantinologist Dr Judith Herrin, and to the late Christopher Hitchens, by Christina Borg, Literary Desk Editor of the Sunday Times.

Further details, including videos of the presentations, can be found on Elena Korka from the Greek Ministry of Cul- the BCRPM website www.parthenonuk.com ture gave a scholarly analysis of the legality of Elgin’s acquisition of the Marbles.

The art historian Tom Flynn gave a masterful critique of the concept of the Universal Museum. Legal aspects were covered by the former MP Andrew Dismore, who showed in detail how the issue could be resolved by legislation to repeal the British Museum Act 1963 section 5, and the distinguished South African advocate George Bizos who dissected the case for litigation and whose presentation included a contribution from his compatriot Sir Sydney Kentridge. A video presentation was provided by the Melina Mercouri Foundation. Michael Reppas presented the “Missing Since 1801” campaign of his American Committee. Emanuel Comino described his own long involvement in the campaign. His Australian Committee plans a follow up colloquy in Sydney in autumn 2013. Professor Dusan Sidjanski outlined the Swiss Committee’s initiative using the mechanisms of the European Union. Tributes were paid for distinguished long term service to Eleni Cubitt, by the distinguished Byzantinologist Dr Judith Herrin, and to the late Christopher Hitchens, by Christina Borg,

By Eddie O’Hara Honorary President of Marbles Reunited and Chairman of BCRPM

I am unable to give the proper breadth of gratitude I feel for the heroic resistance of the people and the leaders of Greece. Charles de Gaulle Marbles Reunited News

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The Young Neighbours of the Acropolis make a visual appeal In 2010 the Association of Parents of the 70th Primary School of Athens, which is located next to the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum, organised painting workshops in collaboration with the Museum of Greek Children’s Art.

During these workshops, the children were encouraged to express their feelings and thoughts on the absence of some of the Parthenon sculptures from their birthplace. Their innocence and the assertive way in which they expressed the need for reunification of the Parthenon sculptures became a touching and unique experience for all. As a result an anthology of the children’s drawings was published under the title Our sculptures have their homeland.

The anthology is prefaced by a touching letter written by the children and addressed to the world, urging for the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures. The letter is included in 27 different languages, a process which was aided by the cooperation of many of the embassies in Athens. Several exhibitions have also taken place featuring the children’s works of art, and the Association of Parents is open to the idea of future exhibitions in Greece or abroad.

Copies of the anthology are still available and can be obtained though a small donation, by contacting the Association of Parents of the 70th Primary school on the following email address: 70oSillogosGoneon@gmail.com

I am coming - Drawing by Eleni-Ann Konstantinou-Zavecz

Where is my Rider? Drawing by Chrysi Pantazidi

By Maria Koutsikou Marbles Reunited Campaign Manager All photos reprinted by permission of the Parent Association of the 70th Primary School of Athens

It is true indeed, that given all the years of its existence, the Parthenon does not require anything of us. It is we, who require the Parthenon’s help to continue to evolve in our lives. Charles Maurras Marbles Reunited News

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East is East : The Athletes Village and the Elgin Marbles

legitimately transferred into British ownership from the rulers of the country. While Greece went through turbulent political periods it was argued that the sculptures were being safeguarded from potential damage. In more recent times the argument has become more obtuse. The British Museum now states that the Marbles are of such global significance that they should be shown in a free, internationally visited museum and seen in context with a worldwide selection of anthropological items.

This is a much more interesting argument, which the use of the casts on A section of the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, the Olympic Village wholeheartedly supports. It really states that the marthat has been reproduced in concrete by Niall McLaughlin Architects. bles now exist in the public realm. As Niall Mclaughlin explains “The Parthenon stones were made in a particular place at a particular time. Their The sculpted Marbles originally graced the walls of the Parthederacination and constant re-idealisation has made them into something non in Athens. Built nearly 2,500 years ago as a temple dedielse – something iconic that people recognise, like a picture of Elvis.” cated to the Greek goddess Athena, it was for a thousand years the church of the Virgin Mary of the Athenians, then a mosque, and finally an archaeological ruin. These recreated panels, meanwhile, That the argument the British Museum has for retaining the Marbles have been wrapped round the façade of a base building by Glenn hinges on the worldwide distribution of their image, seems somewhat Howells Architects to clothe one of the blocks in the Athletes Village. oxymoronic. How can they possibly be owned by the world, when they are very obviously retained in London? Even traditionally insular, nationalistic treasures, such as China’s Army, have found themselves on world tours to allow as many people as possible to appreciate them. Maybe the Marbles should go on a world tour of their own. Perhaps they should be exhibited in a newly created international museum between Greece and the UK. Once the dust from the Olympics and Paralympics has settled, the Athletes Village will be transformed into East Village. New London Architecture, in association with Delancey, put on the exhibition ‘East Village – a lasting legacy for London’ from the 13th to the 31st March to showcase the architectural and design excellence of the village set within the broader context of the transformation of East London. Amidst the middle of the entire proposal sat this:

In any case, the British Museum might learn something from the games, that even though the Olympics originated in Greece, they are now worldwide because of a sense of personal ownership each time they move.

The British have not owned the marbles for very long, and they should see themselves as just part of a long line of their guardians. Just part of a global tradition. The athletes might well appreciate the concrete replicas of the Marbles while they occupy East Village, but they know they are only one of a whole timeline of incumbents of the Olympic Park.

The Marbles are a site of extreme architectural controversy. Sculpted by Greeks, blown up by Venetians, given away by Ottomans and shipped to England by Lord Elgin, they have been the subject of heated debate ever since. The position of the Greek culture ministry is understandably nationalistic, and is replicated in the UK every time a ‘British masterpiece’ might be sold off to a private buyer. They request the return of the marbles to Greek ownership and display.

The arguments that the British have used for not returning the Marbles are many and varied. Originally it was stated that they had been Marbles Reunited News

By Hugh McEwen Architectural Designer Excerpt from article published in the architecture section of Notes from the Underground http://www.nftu.co.uk/2012/08/02/ east-is-east-the-athletes-village-and-the-elgin-marbles/

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New initiative at the European Parliament The Swiss Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles is preparing an initiative for a new declaration of the European Parliament (EP) on the Parthenon Marbles with the help of Euro MP and former Vice-president of the EP, Ms Rodi Kratsa. Already in 1999 the Parliament favoured the return in a declaration initiated by Alfred Lomas, MEP. Since then no progress has been made towards reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement between Greece and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile the splendid new Acropolis Museum has opened its doors and provides an ideal environment to exhibit these Sculptures in their original configuration and context and using the most advanced conservation techniques. The declaration aims to encourage an amicable agreement under the auspices of the European Union.

other civilizations or illicitly removed from regions outside Europe.”

During meetings in Athens on October 2nd Fabrizio Micalizzi, advisor to the Swiss committee, pointed out that the new initiative at the European Parliament aims to show that the moral imperative of fairness does matter in Europe and that solidarity between European Union Member States also applies to cultural issues.

By Fabrizio Micalizzi Advisor to the Swiss Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles

Winner of the Opus Elgin Competition

From left to right: Fabrizio Micalizzi (advisor of the Swiss Committee); Prof. Dusan Sidjanski (President) and Dr. Elena Korka (Hellenic Ministry of culture)

The President of the Swiss Committee, Prof. Dusan Sidjanski, explains the specific European dimension of the Parthenon Marbles: “In my opinion, it is important to stress the European dimension of the question of the return of the Marbles. Indeed, this issue is a European matter, which concerns the major European monument inherited from Ancient Greece. As a result, all action taken should be directly aimed at European Institutions – the European Parliament and the Commission, as well as the Council of Europe - European States and museums, while at the same time encouraging initiatives in favour of our cause carried out by Associations based in non-European States such as the United States, Australia, etc.

In May we ran a competition asking for submissions of photographs or illustrations which our followers felt best expressed the sentiment for reunification of the Parthenon sculptures. The competition was open to public vote, and the first place prize were two tickets to the Opus Elgin opera, which took place at the Athens Concert Hall on the 29th May 2012. Congratulations to Dinos Hassiotis, whose entry was voted in first place. The submission featured an image of sculptures from the East Pediment of the Parthenon with the inscription “It’s all Greek to me”.

Opus Elgin Opera The opera was split into two acts. The first act followed the rise and fall of the Acropolis, starting with the creation of the Parthenon in the 5th century BC, and ending with the removal of a considerable amount of sculptures from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin. In the second act Lord Elgin is put on trial and after a number of witnesses, including Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Edward Dodwell and François-René de Chateaubriand, give their opinion of Lord Elgin’s actions, it is decided that the sculptures must be returned to Athens. In the penultimate scene, titled Melina’s Speech, a modern day setting sees Melina reaching out to the international community, asking for their assistance for the return of the Parthenon sculptures.

One of the most touching moments took place in the final scene during which Maria Callas visits the British Museum and touched by the sight of the lonely caryatid breaks out into a haunting aria. The setting is then transferred to Athens where the gods of Olympus point towards the empty pedestals and in chorus sing: we await you!

Campaigners attending the meeting in Athens on October 2 2012 nd

The object of our undertaking is European and is primarily related to European cultural heritage. It cannot be compared with other claims concerning imported monuments and sculptures originating from

The opera was composed by Mr Theodoros Stathis and was conducted by the worldfamous Peter Tiboris. It was directed by Christopher Christofis and starred Nina Lotsari (soprano), Dimitris Kavrakos (bass), Helen Davou (mezzo soprano), Dionysius Sourbis (baritone), and a whole host of other talented artists. The choir was compromised of Marie-Ntimova Roropoulou (soprano), Christina Karamaltidou (alto), Elias Tiliakos (baritone) and Fanis Roropoulos (tenor). The choreography was by Ersi Pitta and the costumes by Giannis Varelas. Additional information cann be found on the official website: http://www.all4parthenon.gr

The Parthenon is really astonishing in its silent composure; which is so vigorous that, far from being decayed, the Parthenon appears, on the contrary, likely to outlast the entire world. Virginia Woolf Marbles Reunited News

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Meeting with Kostas Tzavaras

Andrew Marr on Athens and the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures

On Tuesday 2nd October, representatives from Marbles Reunited / BCRPM, along with representatives of other member organisations of the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, including its chair, David Hill, met with Kostas Tzavaras, the Alternate Minister of Culture.

Today, poor Athens is the scene of violent social protest, fast-increasing poverty and rising political tension, which were all present before, and even during, her Golden Age in classical times when she produced the philosophers, the architects, the political thinkers and the poets who in turn shaped all Western civilization.

This was the first formal meeting about the Parthenon Marbles that anyone has had with the Greek government, since the new coalition was formed after the elections in June. Also present at the meeting were two advisors to the Minister on the issue of the Marbles, archaeologist Elena Korka and Lawyer Irini Stamatoudi.

Take a short car or bus ride to the coast nearby and wander on the sandy, pine-wooded shoreline where the Battle of Marathon was fought in 490 BC, and where the Athenians’ citizen army defeated the vastly numerically superior forces of Persian tyranny.

At the meeting, the Minister explained that he had formed a committee of advisors that included the two who were present who would assist him in forming a strategy to deal with the issue of the return of the Marbles. He indicated that in the coming months, a new strategy will be unveiled – this represents an important step, as there has been no clear indication of the actual strategy that the Greek Government wants to take with the Marbles since 2004. The Minister indicated that he saw the resolution of the Parthenon Marbles issue as an important part of his job - and that he was willing to focus attention & resources on it despite the current problems facing Greece.

At present, the Ministry is collecting suggestions from the various national committees, on how different people feel that the issue of the Marbles might be tackled & is going to carefully consider all the available possibilities before deciding on a new course of action.

Marbles Reunited / BCRPM explained to the Minister, some of the work that was being carried out in the British Parliament, to try & raise awareness for the issue, such as Early Day Motions. The Swiss Committee suggested that another possible strategy was to make a declaration in the European Parliament, with the aim that it is passed if more than 50% of the MEPs sign it. The Minister was enthusiastic about both these initiatives.

Various other options were discussed, such as the possibility of taking legal action against the British Museum, and the best way to convince British MPs that the return of the Marbles is something that they should be supporting, rather than arguing against it.

We look forward to hearing more, as the Greek Ministry of Culture develops their new strategy for the Marbles in the coming months.

By Matthew Taylor Marbles Reunited Treasurer

It’s still the most important battle in Western history. One of the very few markers left is a little mound, or hillock, nearby. It’s in a smallish triangle of grassy land, not much bigger than a children’s park and surrounded by roads. But inside that hillock lie the remains of the Athenians who fought and died at Marathon.

It choked me up when I first saw it because of its spectacular and moving lack of grandeur - no winged gods or angels, no marble, no pompous inscriptions, just a simple pile of earth.

I’m afraid I also think the time is right to send back the Parthenon frieze or Elgin Marbles from our wonderful British Museum. They need a real boost just now and we are in a unique position to help.

These are again days of Greek agony and instead of constantly blaming them for not working hard enough like the Germans, we should help by continuing to go, to spend money there, and show our friendship.

I’m afraid I also think the time is right to send back the Parthenon frieze or Elgin Marbles from our wonderful British Museum. They need a real boost just now and we are in a unique position to help.

Excerpt taken from the BBC News Magazine article Five of History’s Most Important Places by Andrew Marr http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19912733 Photo by Maria Koutsikou

Marbles Reunited News

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An appeal by the President of the Melina Mercouri Foundation Immediately following Melina’s death in 1994 the Melina Mercouri Foundation was established, having undertaken as its mission to continue Meli- The Foundation managed to overturn the long na’s rich legacy especially with regard to the reunification of the Parthenon existing term “Elgin Marbles”. Today they are Marbles. Involvement in this issue is - as it was for Melina - a challenge called “The Parthenon Marbles” and obligation that relates to the integrity of a World Heritage monument and thus transcends national boundaries and concerns the all humanity.

The Melina Mercouri Foundation was closely connected with the creation of the Acropolis Museum and since its completion it is part of the governing body whose main task is to ensure the proper function of the Museum. As the Foundation supports initiatives that pertain to the return of the marbles, it has organized large campaigns in Greece and abroad, such as discussions with academics, output of publications, meetings with state officials in Greece and abroad, exhibitions and instruction sessions to students educating them on the subject. The following are notable events on the issue: exhibitions at the European Parliament, UNESCO in Paris, the Council of Europe in Strasbourg and Roemerhalle – Frankfurt am Main.

Christoforos Argyropoulos, the president of the Foundation.

Given the recent Olympic Games in London which promote the colThe Foundation managed to overturn the long existing term “Elgin Mar- laboration of nations, we would like to express our wish that the bles”. Today they are called “The Parthenon Marbles” as Melina referred United Kingdom reviews the issue of the return under a new light. to them in her speech at Oxford Union: Now more than ever, after two centuries of absence, the Parthenon Marbles are ready to return and find home in the superb space of the Acropolis Museum in direct relationship with “And the Parthenon Marbles they are. There the Parthenon located on the Acropolis rock exactly across and are no such things as the Elgin Marbles. splendidly visible from the space where they would be placed.

There is a Michelangelo David.

There is a Da Vinci Last Supper.

There is Praxiteles Hermes.

There is a Turner “Fishermen at Sea”.

There are no Elgin Marbles!”

It was this powerful appeal and the overall awareness raised by Melina that contributed to the change of attitude internationally and especially in the United Kingdom for the return of the marbles to Greece.

By Christoforos Argyropoulos President of the Melina Mercouri Foundation Photos published courtesy of the Melina Mercouri Foundation http://www.melinamercourifoundation.org.gr/

When, finally, on the afternoon of our arrival I stood on the Acropolis and cast my eyes upon the landscape, a surprising thought suddenly entered my mind: ‘So all this really does exist, just as we learnt it at school!’.To see something with one’s own eyes is an entirely different experience than hearing or reading about it. Sigmund Freud

Marbles Reunited News

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Marbles Reunited Online It has been an exciting few months with various events, such as the A face-lift for our website is also in the works and all will be revealed within Intelligence2 debate, the London Olympics, the International Colloquy, the new year. Be sure to check back for more information on this as well as to our online competition and various exhibitions at the Acropolis Museum. keep up to date with all the important news and events relating to the cause.

Marbles Reunited’s online presence has been there at every moment communicating these events as well as important news items, such as the 2012 Keck award given to the Acropolis Museum. It is through this means of communication that the cause is not only kept alive, but new supporters are also reached. In the last year we have more than tripled our Facebook fanbase as well as increased our Twitter followers. It is great to see people engaging in the cause for reunification of the Parthenon sculptures and contributing to keep it alive.

This summer also saw the launch of our very own online merchandise shop on Zazzle (http://www.zazzle.co.uk/marblesreunited). You can currently find totes, buttons, post cards and mugs featuring designs inspired by the cause. New items and new designs will be added shortly. Why not send out Marbles Reunited Christmas cards this year! You can send your warmest wishes to your loved ones while letting them know you support a great cause!

A preview of our Christmas card available on Zazzle. The message inside reads: The gift of Love. The gift of peace. The gift of happiness. May all these be yours at Christmas and throughout the New Year.

There have been some great exhibitions at the Acropolis museum over the past few months, such as the Archaic Colours exhibition. If you would like to see a variety of images from these exhibitions as well as our inspirational banners then please visit our Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/marblesreunited .

And to fill out the page ...

Another debate and another overwhelming vote in favour of the Parthenon Marbles being returned to Greece. The Intelligence Squared debate produced a pretty conclusive 75%-25% result. This follows the Oxford University’s 64%36% in 2004 and Cambridge University’s 71%29% in 2008 – all in favour. There have been polls as well. The Museum Journal (the magazine of the Museums Association) conducted a poll in May: result 73%-27% in favour of return!

Sadly he doesn’t.............

One day the marbles will be returned, the majority will always get their way and Mr MacGregor will not be remembered for those great exhibitions but for his pettifogging that delayed their return.

Friends of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. c/o Time & Tide Shipping Ltd 2nd Floor, 21 New Row London, WC2N 4LE Tel: +44 (0)845 5194 574

Honorary President: Eddie O’ Hara Chairman: Andrew George MP Vice Chairman: Rea Hajifanis Treasurer: Matthew Taylor

I’m not sure any poll has gone the other way. If that’s the way the country feels, why doesn’t the British Museum do something about it? There has to be some responsibility in the running of this great institution that takes into account the people’s views, not just those of a well-connected minority.

Marbles Reunited News

Marbles Reunited

campaign@marblesreunited.org.uk

In 2009 The Guardian conducted a poll where almost 130,000 were asked and 94.8% said SEND THEM BACK!

The director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, a gifted and erudite man, who has organised wonderful exhibitions over the years, could change the status quo if he wanted to.

By Maria Koutsikou

Secretary: Angelos Economou Receive the next newsletter by email.

Let us know at:

By Angelos Economou

campaign@marblesreunited.org.uk © Copyright 2012 Marbles Reunited

Secretary of Marbles Reunited

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