South Australian campaigners push for return of the Elgin Marbles

A TEAM of South Australian campaigners have resorted to eye-catching tactics in their bid to have the Parthenon’s collection of marble sculptures returned to Greece.

#ReturnTheMarbles campaign uses cheeky billboard to seek return of Parthenon sculptures

A TEAM of South Australian campaigners have resorted to eye-catching tactics in their bid to have the Parthenon’s collection of marble sculptures returned to Greece.

A billboard erected in London near the British Museum, where the sculptures are displayed, urges British authorities to return the treasures to Greece.

The cheeky billboard — designed by SA Agent-General and advertising guru Bill Muirhead — features a naked male statue and the words: “We gave you philosophy, democracy, logic, drama, comedy, justice … please give us back our marbles”.

The last sentence is strategically placed over the statue’s groin.

The SA-based Foundation for Hellenic Studies is backing the advertisement.

The Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin marbles, in the British Museum in London.

SA Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis and Senator Nick Xenophon, both of Greek heritage, are also among the campaigners pushing for the return of the statues, which were removed from Greece by British Lord Elgin centuries ago.

The electronic billboard stands on Proctor St, one of the main thoroughfares between the West End theatre district and the city.

About 500,000 Londoners will see it every fortnight.

Part of the Elgin marbles, on display in the British Museum. Pic: British Museum