UK Politician Urges Museums to Resist Restitution Requests from Liberal Progressives
A UK member of parliament and former minister is raising concerns about curators at national museums in the country aiming to return objects to their native countries. Robert Jenrick, a Conservative MP, believes that museums are being influenced by “liberal elites” to deaccession collections, including works like the Elgin Marbles. The British Museum has received formal requests for the return of items, with the Benin Bronzes being a focal point for discussions on restitution. Despite legal constraints, agreements have been made for the return of looted items to countries like Ghana. Jenrick criticizes the idea of long-term loans as a way to circumvent statutory duties and maintain collections. The debate over the Elgin Marbles continues, with calls for a fair resolution that does not set a precedent for widespread restitution. Jenrick, who has a background in the art world, has been vocal on cultural heritage issues, including controversial decisions made during his time as a government minister.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.