biography
| name: |
Elgin, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin and 11th Earl of Kincardine
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pronunciation:
[elgin]
| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1766–1841)
|
| biography:
| British diplomat and art connoisseur. While ambassador to the Ottoman sultan (1799–1803) he became interested in the decorated sculptures on the ruined Parthenon at Athens, and, because they were in danger of wilful damage and destruction, arranged for some of them to be transported to England. This action brought criticism and accusation of vandalism, but the earl was vindicated by a government committee, and the Elgin Marbles were purchased for the nation in 1816 and ultimately placed in the British Museum. |
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