Prince lends support to Greek treasures

The Prince is to announce the bursary on his birthday

The Prince of Wales is to lend his support to a fundraising appeal for the preservation of Greek antiquities at a Gala evening on Wednesday.

Prince Charles and a host of dignitaries including arts minister Baroness Blackstone and the British Ambassador to Greece hope to help preserve important sites at Sparta and Knossos in Crete.

The Prince, who is a patron of The British School at Athens (BSA) who is running the appeal, will also launch a bursary for young artists to study in Greece.

The BSA is hoping to raise funds to carry out work on a number of sites to make them accessible to the public.

The BSA's aim is to provide a centre for research on Greece

"We are delighted that His Royal Highness can attend," said Mrs Vicki Weissman, Chairman of the Appeal.

"While the archaeological work of the school is vital it is just as important that we look forward and encourage the development of the arts in what is the cradle of Western civilisation."

At the site of Knossos in Crete, for example, a number of unique mosaics need work to conserve them.

"They're extremely fine in quality and very largely intact," said archaeologist Sara Paton.

In a joint venture with the BSA, the Greek Government has funded and constructed a protective covering for the large floors.

It'd be a terrible shame if they remain covered because they are so lovely

Sara Paton, archaeologist

The BSA needs money to complete their part of the arrangement - the conservation of the mosaics.

"They are safe, they've had emergency repairs and are covered in a sterile blanket," says Ms Paton.

"But it'd be a terrible shame if they remain covered because they are so lovely."

The BSA is the oldest overseas UK research institute, founded in 1886.

It has an extensive library and archives, which includes antiquities from Greek prehistory onwards.

'Preserve'

Part of the money raised - some £1.5m so far - will go toward this library.

Jilly Davies, who is co ordinating the campaign, said: "We're trying to preserve and extend the library which is known throughout the world."

The BSA receives about two thirds of its income from the British Academy, which distributes grant-aid from the government to British Schools and Institutes overseas.

The rest of its income comes from private and corporate subscriptions and donations.