Letter: Keep a copy of Elgin Marbles

Keep a copy of

Elgin Marbles

Sir: Would it not be possible for a copy of the Elgin Marbles to be made, to be displayed in this country, while the originals were returned to Greece? Holography and modern computer analysis should make it no more difficult than the copying of the Grinling Gibbons carvings at Hampton Court.

Making such a copy would still be a major, and very expensive, undertaking and the celebration of its achievement would to some extent compensate for the sacrifice we would have made in giving up the originals. Returning the carvings would be an act of generosity which would be appreciated all over Europe. It would be more appropriate to an outward-looking government than the rather mean-minded response of the just-appointed Heritage Secretary to the Greek appeal.

P LIGHTMAN

Surbiton, Surrey