Elgin marbles. These were part of the frieze and pediment of the Parthenon of Athens and other carvings from c.440 bc, sent to England by the 7th earl of Elgin. While British ambassador in Constantinople, he obtained authority from the Turks first to study, then to remove some of the antiquities, which were badly looked after. After an eventful journey during which some of the carvings were shipwrecked and the earl detained in France, the sculptures arrived in England to controversy about the wisdom and validity of their purchase by the government. Finally in 1816 Elgin received £35,000, much less than his expenses, and the marbles were placed in the British Museum. The Greek government has at times requested their return.

June Cochrane

Elgin Marbles a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures and architectural fragments, chiefly from the frieze and pediment of the Parthenon in Athens, brought to England by the diplomat and art connoisseur Thomas Bruce (1766–1841), the 7th Earl of Elgin. Their original exhibition in London had an enormous impact, it being the first time authentic classical Greek sculpture had been on public display.

Elgin Marbles Group of sculptures from the Acropolis of Athens, including sculptures of the Parthenon. They were transported (1803–12) by the 7th Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), sold to the British Government in 1816, and are now on display in the British Museum, London. The Greek government continues to campaign for their return.

http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk; http://www.culture.gr