Institution data
| Institution field | Value |
|---|---|
Document reference | BG_ARM_7_1_2 (5) |
Date | 19.12.1994 |
Description | Reply from The Viscount Astor at the Department of National Heritage to Andrew Smith MP who raised the issue of restitution of the Benin Bronzes on behalf of a constituent. He makes an assertion, which has been often repeated up to now, that ‘...there has not been an official request for the return of the Benin Bronzes or other African artefacts, to Nigeria. However, Her Majesty’s Government cannot order the British Museum to return the Benin bronzes or other African artefacts because the Museum is an independent body governed by a Board of Trustees (British Museum Act 1963). These objects are vested in the Museum’s Trustees by Act of Parliament; and the British Museum’s holdings cannot be disposed of (unless they are duplicates or worthless).’ |
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