There is considerable controversy over their removal - the Brits claim that they were obtained legally and that had they remained, they would have been irreparably damaged or destroyed, either by the Turks, careless locals or some kind of natural disaster. The Greek government have made numerous requests for their return, however all have been refused. They have even gone so far as to leave space for the frieze in the Acropolis Museum which is currently under construction, however the British Museum seemingly have no plans to hand them over. While the display in the British Museum is impressive, it's hard not to be a little uncomfortable about both their blunt obstinacy and their detailed rationale as to why the Marbles should remain in Britain rather than be returned to their home country. Click here to read more from the British Museum or click here to read the Greek Government's perspective. This blog about 'Elginism' and other cultural vandalism is also interesting (if a little - okay, a lot - bias).
