Brian Cox, the renowned Scottish actor from Succession and a global stage star, has taken a clear stance in favor of returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.
The actor spoke exclusively to ERT ahead of the world premiere of the documentary The Marbles at the Central Scotland Documentary Festival in Sterling. “It’s time to simply say: let them go,” he stated emphatically regarding the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece.
Asked when the issue of the Sculptures became personal for him, Cox replied:
“It’s so obvious that the Elgin Marbles should go back to Greece. They shouldn’t be in the British Museum. I know it’s going to be a difficult pill to swallow, but we have to look at it historically; the marbles were acquired then, and there’s still no legal redress for what that agreement was, but they were acquired when Greece was under Turkish occupation. So, in a way, it’s a false moment to remove anything from Greece. As long as they are Greek, they must return to Greece. It makes sense. And I think we have to be mature and brave enough to say: let them go.”
Brian Cox: Parthenon Marbles do not belong in British Museum
Cox clearly answered the question about the main argument for reunification: “When you remove something from its environment, you diminish it, you alienate it from its place. It needs to be restored to where it comes from.”
Commenting on the argument that the Sculptures are now part of British heritage, Cox was categorical:
“The Marbles are the Parthenon. It’s that simple. They became part of British heritage under dubious circumstances. We have no right to possess them. It’s like taking the Eiffel Tower and putting it in Blackpool. They are not the Elgin Marbles, they are the Parthenon Marbles. Now Greece is stable, and the Marbles must return. It’s that simple.”
The documentary, The Marbles, by director David Wilkinson, which features Cox’s interview, examines the historical, political, and cultural context surrounding Greece’s claim. The film’s world premiere will be on October 30 at the Central Scotland Documentary Festival, reopening the discussion on returning one of the most vital cultural symbols to its natural home—the Parthenon.
Related: Greece Slams British Museum for “Insulting” Gala Amid Parthenon Marbles
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