On October 28th, the British Museum hosted the book launch of Masterpieces of The Farjam Collection of Islamic, and Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Comprising over 5,000 artworks, this unique Collection which spans vast geographies and a time span over many centuries, has to date been mostly known only to the cognoscenti.
Now with the publication by Yale University Press of four books comprising over 800 highlights from the collection, the Collection becomes a major resource for collectors, scholars, students, and bibliophiles.
Unusual amongst collections of Islamic art, the exceptional range and breadth of this collection includes the arts of the Islamic world from earliest times up to and including the contemporary Middle East. This unique characteristic, represented across the themes of both volumes, provides an unusual cross-cultural experience demonstrating continuity, dialogue and influences—from within as well as in between the cultures—throughout centuries. Organised thematically with high quality photography, the book reflects current trends in the study of Islamic and Contemporary art through essays and entries written by eminent scholars.
The British Museum launch event included a panel Talk by eminent scholars: Dr Venetia Porter, Emeritus Fellow and former curator of Islamic and Contemporary Middle East Art at the British Museum, Dr Charles Melville, Professor Emeritus of Persian History at the University of Cambridge, Dr Julian Raby, renowned Oxford scholar and former Director at the Smithsonian, and Chaired by Francesca Leoni, Assistant Keeper and Curator of Islamic Art at Oxford University’s Ashmolean Museum.
Discussion revolved around the role and contribution of private collectors such as Dr Farjam whose dedication to assembling works with an eye for quality and dialogue has taken the function of such collections to another level in terms of public significance and service. It was pointed out that private collections have been at the core of most national museums, and that the legacy of such endeavours will serve future generations.
Above all, the dialogue will serve to highlight commonalities during divisive times, and that heritage has common roots that point to the universality of art as a common language. The well-attended event which included VIP guests, journalists, writers, specialists, and academics, was introduced by the British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan and followed by a reception.
The volumes are available for sale on Amazon and further book launches are planned regionally and beyond.