Shah
Abbas:
The
Remaking of Iran
19th
February � 14th June 2009 Reading
Room Admission Charge
In
February 2009, the British Museum
will open the first major exhibition to explore the rule and
legacy of Shah� Abbas, one of the formative figures in the
creation of modern Iran. Shah of Iran from 1587-1629AD, he is
remembered as one of the country�s most influential kings and a
great military leader, ruling Iran at a time of political
renewal, when it succeeded in positioning itself as a world
power with a sharply defined national identity.
Shah `Abbas
came to the throne in 1587, the fifth ruler of the Safavid
Dynasty.
Through trade, patronage and diplomacy Shah `Abbas fostered good
relations with Europe and ushered in a golden period in the
arts,
commissioning beautiful works of art and grand architecture. He
was a great builder and restorer of major monuments across the
country and this architectural legacy will provide the context
in which to explore the themes of his reign. The exhibition will
feature luxurious gold-ground carpets, exquisite Chinese
porcelains, illustrated manuscripts, watercolour paintings,
metalwork
and beautiful silks, objects similar to those Shah `Abbas gave
to important religious sites across Iran. The famous
calligrapher
Ali Riza `Abbasi was a key figure throughout
Shah `Abbas�s
reign and examples of his work will feature prominently in the
exhibition.
Shah `Abbas
was a man with a strong sense of personal piety; though Shi`ism
was declared the state religion of Iran in 1501, it was Shah `Abbas
who consolidated its preeminence through the rule of law and the
suppression of
heterodox Shi`i
sects and extremist dervish orders. The clerics in the circle
of Shah `Abbas established the parameters of Shi`i orthodoxy and
in so doing strengthened the role of the religious elite
throughout Iran.
In
association with The Iran Heritage Foundation, the exhibition
will
feature
extraordinary loans, never before seen outside of Iran,
alongside loans from Europe and the US. The exhibition is the
third in a series examining empire and power in different parts
of the globe and follows exhibitions on the First Emperor of
China and the Roman emperor Hadrian.
Sheila Canby, curator of the exhibition said �Shah`Abbas
was restless, decisive, ruthless and intelligent. This
exhibition will provide a rare opportunity to learn about this
important ruler.
Shah `Abbas
was a critical figure in the development of Iran and his legacy
is still with us today.�
To book tickets please print
www.britishmuseum.org or 020 7323
8181.
For public information please print
www.britishmuseum.org or 020 7323 8299
For further information or images please contact
Hannah Boulton on 020 7323 8522/
hboulton@britishmuseum.org
The exhibition will focus on four key sites which Shah `Abbas
transformed or embellished as public statements of royal power.
Isfahan: the new capital
Shah
`Abbas made Isfahan his new capital in 1598 and it became his
main administrative city and the seat of his power. He
completed an ambitious building programme, including the
construction of a royal palace and his personal mosque (named
after his father-in-law and spiritual advisor Shaykh Lutf Allah)
as well as new quarters for the Safavid elite and the Armenian
merchant class which drove Iran�s international silk trade. It
was also the site of the royal artists� workshop, led by the
famous calligrapher
`Ali Riza `Abbasi.
Ardabil: the ancestral shrine
Ardabil contains the tomb of Shaykh Safi, a fourteenth-century
sufi mystic and ancestor of Shah `Abbas. The site contained a
lodge for dervishes who followed the Shaykh�s teaching and was
the dynastic shrine of the Shah�s family. Under Shah `Abbas the
role of this complex as a symbol of the Safavid Dynasty grew.
He renovated the shrine, gifting magnificent decorative objects,
including precious Chinese porcelains, mosque lamps and
important manuscripts, examples of which can been seen in the
exhibition.
Mashhad: the tomb of the martyred Imam
Mashhad is a holy shrine of huge significance. It is the burial
site of Imam Riza, the only Shi`i imam, or infallible spiritual
guide, who is buried in Iran. The Shah himself walked in
pilgrimage to the shrine from Isfahan, a distance of 600 miles.
It houses the Shah�s collection of Qur�ans and Arabic scientific
manuscripts and other elegant furnishings for the many chambers
of the shrine. Objects similar to those given by the Shah to
Mashhad will be on display.
Qum: studying the faith
Qum is the shrine of Fatimeh Ma`sumeh, the sister of Imam Riza
and a focus of Safavid female piety and spirituality. By the 17th
century many religious colleges were associated with the shrine,
a situation that continues to this day. At the very end of his
reign Shah `Abbas took a particular interest in this shrine and
after his death his successors donated exquisite silk brocades,
calligraphy and manuscripts.
Research, undertaken by the British Museum�s Dr Sheila Canby and
Professor Robert Gleave from Exeter University, investigating
the importance of Shah Abbas in renovating these key religious
spaces have contributed to a better/greater understanding of
their importance. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research
Council (AHRC) this research has been key in the preparation of
the exhibition.
05 JANUARY 2009 -
Legendary Reid’s Palace on the sub-tropical island of Madeira will
be launching five exciting master classes in 2009, each designed to
offer guests the opportunity to learn new skills whilst relaxing in
the luxury hotel. The classes are themed: ‘Churchill Painting’,
‘Reid’s Dancing’, ‘Perfume Classes’, ‘Duplicate Bridge Sessions’ and
‘Botanical Painting’.
The
Churchill Painting Class
celebrates one of Reid’s Palace’s most famous regular guests and
follows Winston Churchill’s memories of Madeira. The programme will
include lessons in the hotel, along with painting excursions to
picturesque places including Churchill’s favourite fishing village -
Camara de Lobos, local flower markets and the Levada Mountains. The
class is led by David Mynett, one of Britain’s leading impressionist
artists, and welcomes both beginner and advanced levels.
Participants will have the opportunity to choose between a six or
four night course on selected dates in January and February 2009.
Prices start from 2,050 Euros (£1,906*) per room per package,
including breakfast, lunch and dinner either at the hotel or on
location.
Whilst the Churchill Painting is offered as a complete package, the
following Reid’s Palace master classes may be booked as a supplement
by guests already staying at the hotel.
The
Reid’s Dancing Master Class
is the perfect option for those inspired by the growing popularity
of ballroom dancing. The dancing tutor will teach guests the steps
to a selection of traditional dances, as well as leading them
through a number of contemporary performances. The classes will be
held three times a week, ending with a Gala Dinner Dance on the
Saturday night, opening the floor to aspiring Ginger Rogers and Fred
Astaires. The dance classes will be held on selected dates in
February and March 2009, costing 325 Euros (£302*) per person
including a welcome cocktail, dancing classes, a gala dinner and a
dancing diploma.
The
Reid’s Perfume Master Class
offers the chance to discover the origins of scents, senses and
blends, along with the art of creating a fragrance. Nicolas de
Barry, an expert Maître Parfumeur, will help guests explore
Madeira’s scents by visiting the gardens of Quintina das Ervas and
Blandy’s Gardens. During the course, guests will also learn how to
make bath salts, perfumed paper and have the opportunity to create
their own unique fragrance. The classes take place on selected
dates in March and April 2009 costing 325 Euros (£302*) per person,
including a Gala Dinner on the last day.
The Reid’s Palace Botanical Painting Class
will challenge the most
proficient of artists and also allow novices to discover the beauty
of painting. Home to a 10 acre sub-tropical garden full of rare and
exotic plants, Reid’s Palace is the perfect place to practice skills
in this disciplined art. The four day experience is on selected
dates in March and April 2009 costing 300 Euro (£279*) per person,
including welcome cocktails, a tour of the garden, refreshments and
a Gala Dinner.
Guests can master the secrets of Bridge at
the Reid’s Duplicate Bridge
Session, led by Bridge
master, Nahid Ghani. The class is designed for both advanced
players and beginners, offering participants a challenging
experience within the world of this fantastic card game. The three
day course is offered on selected dates in February 2009 and costs
290 Euros (£269*) per person, including welcome cocktails, daily
lecture and game, refreshments and a Gala Dinner.
Reid’s
Palace epitomises the spirit of travel from the heyday of luxury,
style and adventure. Opened in 1891 by William and Alfred Reid to
accommodate passengers of the great ocean liners, it now stands for
contemporary luxury and elegance. Perched on a cliff-top amid 10
acres of semi-tropical gardens, providing its own brand of personal
service to all generations, today’s Reid’s Palace offers relaxation
and indulgence, romance and activity for the whole family on the
exotic, temperate island of Madeira.
*The sterling price guide is based on the exchange rate at the time
of going to press, but the final price, payable in Euros, will
depend on the exchange rate at the time of booking.
|
The Churchill Painting Class |
23rd, 24th & 25th Jan
26th, 27th, 28th & 29th
Jan
30th, 31st Jan & 1st Feb
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
& 6th Feb |
|
The Reid’s Dancing Master Classes |
19th, 20th & 21st Feb
26th, 27th & 28th Feb
5th, 6th & 7th March |
|
The Reid’s Perfume Master Class |
19th, 20th & 21st March
23rd, 24th & 25th March
27th, 28th & 29th March
31st Mar, 1st & 2nd April |
|
The Reid’s Palace Botanical Painting Classes |
10th, 11th, 12th & 13th
March
21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th
April |
|
The Reid’s Duplicate Bridge Session |
9th 10th & 11th Feb
13th, 14th & 15th Feb |
For
more information on Reid’s Palace and to book, visit
http://www.reidspalace.com
or call Orient-Express
Hotels on 0845 077 2222.
|
 >
EXHIBITION
6 - 27 January 2009
Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm
Phillips de Pury & Company
Howick Place London SW1P 1BB
www.phillipsdepury.com5 January 2009
Battersea Park, London, 12 – 15 March 2009
By My Son by Miriam Jarrs,
oil on canvas,
courtesy of Sesame
One of the liveliest and trendiest art-buying forums in the UK, the Affordable
Art Fair (AAF) Spring Collection returns with a host of hot buys for art-loving
Londoners. Arguably the most affordable art fair out there, AAF offers
paintings, sculpture, photography and original prints from carefully selected
galleries, all priced between £50 and £3,000. The formula is perfectly pitched
to ensure guilt-free credit crunch shopping, offering a unique opportunity to
pick up an investment – be it artwork by a big name or an up-and-coming artist –
at an astonishingly competitive price. This is a fair you can't afford to miss.
Key things to know about AAF:
The affordable end of the art market is still buoyant: despite economic doom and
gloom, 20,000 visitors at the AAF Autumn Collection 2008 spent a total of £3.6
million in 40 hours – a strong result considering the fair’s ceiling price of
£3,000 and making it one of the most successful fairs since its launch in 1999.
Something for everyone: AAF attracts buyers of all ages and from all walks of
life, and the promise of a fresh selection of artists at each fair results in a
return visitor rate of 60%. It is a favourite amongst top interior designers
such as Kelly Hoppen, Linda Barker and Pia Munden, and Will Young, Ant & Dec,
Ricky Gervais and Take That's Mark Owen and Jason Orange are just a few of the
celebrity fans spotted at AAF in recent years.
Feel good factor: no purchase offers greater emotional investment than an
original artwork. The affordability of AAF makes you feel good in the short term
and a unique artwork reflecting your signature style will continue to bring you
enormous pleasure for years to come.
A one-stop-shop: printmaking and drawing workshops suitable for all ages as well
as a crèche, café and wine bar make the fair a perfect shopping destination for
family and friends. A complimentary shuttle bus from Sloane Square ensures the
event is convenient to get to.
Information: 020 8246 4848
Tickets:
www.affordableartfair.co.uk or 0870 777 2255
Times
Wednesday 11 March Private View 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Thursday 12 March 11am – 5.30pm (Drinks Reception 5.30pm – 9.30pm)
Friday 13 March 11am – 6pm
Saturday 14 March 11am – 6pm
Sunday 15 March 11am – 6pm
Ticket Prices:
Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 March 2009
Advance booking £10 (concessions £8)
On the door £12 (concessions £10)
Private View, Wednesday 11 March £25
Drinks Reception, Thursday 12 March £20
Children under 16 Free (NB there is also a free crèche)
Transport
By public transport:
Train from Victoria train station to Battersea Park or Waterloo to Queenstown
Road
Bus no 44, 137, 156, 344, 452
Free shuttle bus courtesy of Renault from Sloane Square every 15 minutes
By car:
Limited free parking (via Chelsea Bridge entrance only), other pay and display
parking available in Battersea Park and surrounding streets
WITH
FREE & AFFORDABLE INAUGURATION EXPERIENCES
The countdown to the inauguration of the 44th President of the United
States, Barack Obama is underway and UK travellers who are planning to
visit to be ‘part of history being made’ may wish to take advantage of
these free and affordable experiences in Washington, DC:
1. Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King,
Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech and where Marian Anderson
performed her historic 1939 Easter concert.
2. Catch a free concert featuring Aretha Franklin on 19 January at the
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.
3. Visit the newly remodeled National Museum of American History, where
you can view a copy of the Gettysburg Address on loan from the White
House. The theme of Obama’s inauguration, “A New Birth of Freedom,” is
taken from the Gettysburg Address. Look for Obama’s name in the
“American Presidents” exhibition.
4. See poignant images from the Civil Rights era on display in Road to
Freedom, a special exhibition of more than 200 powerful photographs at
the Smithsonian Institution’s Ripley Center, on display until 9 March.
5. Make your way to Capitol Hill’s newest attraction, the
state-of-the-art Capitol Visitor Center.
6. Check out the presidential portraits on display at the National
Portrait Gallery.
7. Tour the magnificent Library of Congress and test out its new
interactive exhibits, like the re-creation of Thomas Jefferson’s
original library.
8. Whilst only Bill Cosby and the Obama Family can eat for free at DC’s
legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl - visitors can soak in the local flavour and
‘chow down on the cheap’ with their signature half-smokes – for just $5
or a chili dog for $3.60.
9. Cheer on the Inaugural Parade along Pennsylvania Avenue on 20
January.
10. Read the headlines from newspapers from around the world outside the
Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue.
11. Learn what it was like to be a guest at a past presidential
inauguration through The Honor of Your Company is Requested: President
Lincoln’s Inaugural Ball, a special exhibition at the Smithsonian
American Art Museum.
12. Say “Inauguration” at The Phillips Collection admissions desk during
the entire month of January and receive two-for-one admission.
13. Be a part of history on the National Mall and witness Obama’s
swearing-in on 20 January. The entire length of the Mall will be open to
the public.
14. Stroll the cobblestone streets of historic Georgetown, once the
stomping grounds of JFK and Jackie Kennedy. Locate the booth at Billy
Martin’s Tavern where he proposed to Jackie.
15. Stop for a photo op in front of the White House, the new home for
the new First Family.
16. Take a stroll through grand Union Station. What was once the
Presidential Suite, where presidents waited to board trains and greeted
foreign dignitaries, is now B. Smith’s Restaurant.
17. See breathtaking photos and fascinating exhibitions at the National
Geographic Museum.
18. Explore the diverse cultures of Africa at the Smithsonian’s National
Museum of African Art.
19. Listen in on native folktales or catch a cultural performance at the
National Museum of the American Indian.
20. Take a hike on Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island and find
inspiration in the quotes from the environmentalist president, engraved
on the memorial plaza.
21. Browse local art and sample fresh fare at Capitol Hill’s Eastern
Market (Sat. & Sun.)
22. See a public mural featuring Barack Obama outside neighborhood
hotspot Marvin (at 14th & U), named for DC’s own Marvin Gaye.
23. Watch skaters glide on the ice (or join in the fun- adults $7/ 2
hours) as you take in the outdoor art at the National Gallery of Art’s
sculpture garden and ice skating rink.
24. See the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and
Bill of Rights at the National Archives
25. Brush elbows with a genius with a visit to the Einstein Memorial.
26. Walk east of the Capitol to Lincoln Park to see the Emancipation
Statue, the city’s first memorial to Honest Abe, along with a statue
honoring African-American education pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune.
27. Experience one of the world’s most moving museums, the U.S.
Holocaust Memorial Museum.
28. Build your horticultural IQ inside the U.S. Botanic Gardens.
29. Find literary inspiration for your own presidential address at the
Folger Shakespeare Library.
30. Climb inside a cockpit and touch a moon rock at the National Air &
Space Museum.
America As You Like It (
www.americaasyoulikeit.com 020 8742 8299) offer a seven-night
‘City Lights and Beyond’ itinerary, from £790* in 2009, featuring 2
nights in Washington, DC, 2 nights in Baltimore, 2 nights in St
Michael’s and 1 night in Alexandria.
For more information, travel tips and advice, log on to Destination DC’s
official inauguration website,
www.washington.org/inauguration
(*Supplements apply for dates coinciding with the Inauguration.)
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6
January 2009
A
dining pub may not be the usual place to detox, however The Granville @ Barford
has come up with an ingenious idea to encourage people to kick start a healthier
diet for the New Year. A special healthy low calorie menu has been devised in
conjunction with Sureslim UK, an international weight and wellness company. The
menu, which is available throughout January, consists of 2 courses priced at
£12.50 per person or 3 courses for £15.50. Both options include a glass of
detoxifying super-juice
which has been specially created to help reduce bloating and promote healthy
looking skin.
Val
Kersey, Proprietor, came up with the idea based on how she often feels after the
festive season. A similar menu was devised last January which was extremely
popular. Val stated, “It’s common for most people to over-indulge over
Christmas and then start a succession of diets in the New Year. The special menu
we’ve created will hopefully encourage people to stick to their New Year’s
resolutions and lose weight whilst enjoying a delicious meal out at our
award-winning dining pub”.
Starters
consist of broccoli soup and stuffed baked mushroom with tomato and basil sauce. Main courses include lemon and ginger
chicken with crispy tortilla salad, citrus fish with mint salsa or sweet
vegetable curry with crispy baked tortilla for vegetarians. There are also two
delicious low fat desserts to choose from including caramelised oranges with
poppy seed syrup and vanilla and clove soaked apples with cinnamon yoghurt.
The
Granville @ Barford is situated 1 mile from the M40 at junction 15 on the A429
sign-posted to Stow-on-the-Wold. Please visit the website at
www.granvillebarford.co.uk
for further information.
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