British Museum explores repatriation of more contested artefacts

The constraint has also frustrated other attempts at repatriation, including for the Benin Bronzes, but British Museum experts have suggested more artefacts could go overseas within the current legal framework.

Julia Hudson, the curator of African collections at the British Museum, told The Telegraph: “What’s important is that we’ve done something. We haven’t been hampered by those restrictions.

“The Asantehene has been able to see that and be diplomatic in helping us to bring those objects to Ghana for this homecoming to do something is so much more positive than to do nothing and hide behind the act.”

British Museum sources previously said the institution was working to replicate with the Greek authorities the “level of engagement we have with museums in other countries” and “exploring if there is an arrangement that would allow some of the Parthenon sculptures to travel to Greece”.

George Osborne, the chairman for the British Museum, has been pushing for a partnership with Greece that could see the Marbles returned to Athens.