The chairman of the British Museum, George Osborne, has expressed his conviction that a solution can be found for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. In statements to The Times, Osborne characterized the issue that has plagued our country as the “most difficult and complex matter” the British Museum has faced in the past 200 years.
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George Osborne: I’ve always said this is the Museum’s most intractable problem for 200 years
In his interview, the former British Chancellor spoke about a solution that would satisfy both sides, noting that the Greek side’s demands are absolutely understandable.
“I’ve always said this is the Museum’s most intractable problem for 200 years. So you have to be a bit humble when you turn up and say you’re going to solve it. But I remain quite optimistic,” he said characteristically, adding: “If we all approach this problem with an open mind, there is a landing zone that satisfies the absolutely understandable demands of the Greek state and our own requirements and laws. And if we achieve it, we’ll have some great objects coming here.”
Osborne surprisingly notes that chairing the British Museum is the best job he has ever had. He believes his political experience is an advantage, as it allows him to manage the museum’s relationship with the government while preserving the institution’s independence.
He even admitted that when he took office, the Museum was in poor condition due to Covid and the scandal involving the theft of 2,000 objects. At this stage, however, he believes that the institution, under the new direction of Nick Cullinan and the new architectural plan, has begun to gradually rise.
