We continue our exploration of the Nicholson Collections at University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum. Deputy Director, Dr. Paul Donnelly guides us through the Greek Collections.

Dr Donnelly worked at the excavations at Pella in Jordan before becoming the co-director of the Zagora Archeological Project on Andros, Greece. We discuss the importance of the archeological finds at both projects and what, if any, connections there were between the two sites.

The Greek collections contain artefacts representative of the material culture of the Greek mainland, islands and surrounding regions, from the Bronze Age to the late Hellenistic period. A wide range of Archaic-classical period ceramic vessels are the cornerstone of this collection. However, bronze and terracotta figurines, marble sculpture, intricate jewellery  and plaster cast replica objects contribute to the diversity of the collection.

We also turn to the changing styles of curating archeological museums and the innovative way the Chau Chak Wing displays its artefacts alongside objects from the natural world (Macleay Collection) and modern art (University Art Collection).

The hot topic of the day in museums around the world is the idea of provenance and repatriation. The Parthenon Marbles in particular have become a lightning rod for this discussion and Dr. Donnelly updates where that conversation stands at the moment and what chance there is for the return of the marbles to the purpose built Acropolis Museum in Athens.

Arts Wednesday 9 August 2023

89.7 fm

eastsidefm.org/artswednesday

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