The Parthenon Project in Greece kicked off with its first official event, aiming to reunite the Parthenon Marbles currently at the British Museum with their counterparts in Athens. The Lefa family, founders and financiers of the project, welcomed speakers from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom in Athens. They toured the Acropolis Hill and hosted a panel discussion with government officials on potential solutions.
John Lefas shared his journey, starting in 2018, and his accidental involvement in the campaign. The efforts included financing a book by Geoffrey Robertson and organizing trips to Greece for influential figures. Despite setbacks, including spending close to 7 million euros, Lefas persisted, aiming for a mutually beneficial solution.
The ‘Fagan fragment’ and ‘Recruiting’ a lord
Special mentions include returning the ‘Fagan fragment’ from Italy as a precedent and Lord Ed Vaizey, the former British culture minister, joining the campaign. Vaizey expressed support after visiting Athens, highlighting the moral imperative of reunification.
The campaign remains optimistic for the future, with positive responses from the British Museum and hopes for a potential visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to London.