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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Fight over the Elgin marbles casts a bad light on Rishi Sunak

The Parthenon sculptures on display at the British Museum in London.
The Parthenon sculptures on display at the British Museum in London. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

Those who oppose the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece should see the remaining sculptures in the purpose-built Acropolis Museum in Athens, where – proudly displayed – they glow in the natural light for which they were created. Compare that with the British Museum’s dreary presentation – lifeless specimens languishing out of context in a grey, windowless hall – and there’s no question which is the better place for them.

It is inconceivable that the British public care remotely as much for these marbles as the Greeks do – and imagine the joy, gratitude and benefit for our international reputation if we restored them to their home.

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