The row over the Lewis windfarm continues, with a delegation from the Western Isles Council jetting off to Edinburgh to ask the First Minister to reverse the decision.
Another row relates to the famous Lewis Chessmen
of which this is an 8 foot representation near the site of their original find, in 1831. Our local MP has called for their return to the Western Isles. The figurines reside in the British Museum in London, which is forbidden by Act of Parliament, from disposing of its assets. It would require another Act to undo this, which seems extremely unlikely, after the UK Culture Minister referred to the idea as a "load of nonsense" and to the Scottish First Minister as coming up with (I quote) "a pound of policy mixed with a pound of posturing". The formal reason for the refusal is that the Lewis Chessmen were made in Norway, and taken to the island by the Vikings - they do not originate here. Personally, I think that the things have lain here for so long that at least it could be acknowledged by having a few of them in the museum here. Not likely.
I agree with you too Guido. They are fine objects aren't they?
ReplyDeletePerhaps they could get round it by putting them on a permanent loan to the island's museum?
I doubt if that will work though...just a thought and a prayer.
The British museum has so many fine Objects D'Art that surely they wouldn't miss these going back to where they were found.
Jeanie
I like the expression on his face.
ReplyDeleteLisa
I agree that they should be in Lewis.
ReplyDeleteLori
He looks sad. He must be freezing. Linda
ReplyDeleteI agree that they should be there in a museum. That is a cool statue!
ReplyDeletePam