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I think the British Museum's response would be that their objects are on display for the world for free, rather than hidden away in a private collection; and th
by adrianhon 12y ago
I think the British Museum's response would be that their objects are on display for the world for free, rather than hidden away in a private collection; and that researchers can also get free access to the works not on display. They'd also say that they are better placed to conserve their collection over the next few centuries than other collectors.
- thaumasiotes 12y agoHow many significant figures do you need before the proportion of the world population that has seen any object in the British Museum rises above zero?
- adrianhon 12y agoAt those scales, everything is zero. But the important thing is the potential to see an object. If the Rosetta Stone is sold to an anonymous private collector, I have practically zero chance of ever seeing it, no matter who I am, what I earn, or where I live. But if it's in a public museum, then my access is much greater.
- vacri 12y agoThe counter-response is the Elgin Marbles issue. The Greeks want them back, to put on public display in their native location, the Acropolis. The Acropolis is important enough in Greek culture that during their war of independence, they supplied the enemy with ammunition so it wouldn't be destroyed. The Turkish garrison was low on ammunition, so started pulling apart the columns of the Acropolis to get at the lead joinery. The Greeks supplied them with enough lead to stop that from happening. http://www.ahistoryofgreece.com/revolution.htm http://www.ahistoryofgreece.com/revolution.htm What better place to see ancient Greek sculptures than the very temple they were built for, curated by people who honour that location? It's not like the British Museum doesn't have other items to put on display...