" It has often been assumed that they, like other Classical objects in the Museum, were once painted with colour, but until recently no firm evidence had ever been found."

Really, British Museum?!

* British damage to Elgin marbles 'irreparable' - http://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/nov/12/helenasmith

* Cleaning scandal at the British Museum - http://www.parthenon.newmentor.net/cleaning.htm

(there is even a whole section on the museum's website: http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/news_and_press/stateme...)

Also: http://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/ancient-greece/hi...

And while on the matter, I've yet to understand why the Parthenon marbles are still not returned where they belong: in Parthenon.

I hate it when sites like this don't date articles. It is a trend that I think is unhelpful.