The Parthenon Marbles - Can An Amicable Settlement be Found?

Seminar Series: IP Engagement Group

Panel Discussants:

• Jonathan Jones (The Guardian)
• Professor Oliver Taplin (BCRPM, University of Oxford)
• Dr Tatiana Flessas (LSE)
• Dr Florian Schmidt-Gabain (Attorney, Zurich, Lecturer in Art Law, Universities of Basel and Zurich)

Moderator: Dr Luke Mcdonagh (City, University of London)

In the current discussion concerning the Parthenon (sometimes called the Elgin) Marbles, the core issue is whether they should remain in the British Museum or be sent back to Athens. This means the discussion goes along the line of all or nothing. With our event, we want to go beyond that binary nature of the discussion and examine possibilities for a compromise solution. Because based on the large number of items of which the Parthenon Marbles consist solutions are conceivable that go beyond merely having or not having. Namely a division of individual items between Greece and the United Kingdom could be such a solution. But, of course, a compromise solution is not only a possibility because the possibility of a compromise exists, but also because both the United Kingdom and Greece can bring forward good arguments for why the Parthenon Marbles should either stay in London or go back to Athens.

The course of the event is the following:

‘An Introduction to the Historical and Legal Issues Surrounding the Parthenon Marbles’
Dr Tatiana Flessas (London School of Economics)

‘A Proposal for an Amicable Settlement for the Case of the Parthenon Marbles’
Dr Florian Schmidt-Gabain (Attorney, Zurich, Lecturer in Art Law, Universities of Basel and Zurich)

Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A

~ A wine reception will follow ~