Exhibition To Feature 19th Century Famous British Artist "Owen Jones: Islamic design, Discovery and Vision" to take centre stage at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Sharjah to be the first venue in the Middle East to show the ’Owen Jones’ touring exhibition from the V&A
Under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasmi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah will stage an exhibition of the works of the famous 19th century British artist Owen Jones for the first time in the Middle East, adding a new feather to its landmark achievements on the cultural arena.
The touring exhibition from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), titled “Owen Jones: Islamic design, Discovery and Vision”, will be held at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization from 21 March -15 July.
The show will comprise 100 objects that illustrate Jones’ interpretations of Islamic art, design and architecture. It was exhibited in Al Hambra Palace in Granada, Spain, and will go on show in South Korea, after Sharjah.
Hosting this high-profile exhibition adds a new feather to Sharjah’s cap of achievements, and is a result of the ongoing efforts by Sharjah Museums Department to highlight the emirate’s distinct Arab and Islamic identity and boost its status as a leading cultural hub on the world cultural map.
The exhibition draws upon the V&A’s historic collections to tell the story of Owen Jones, a highly versatile architect and designer whose explorations of Islamic design contributed to the reshaping of the 19th century British design.
Spanning treasures from the V&A’s vast collections of sculpture, metalwork, ceramics, glass, furniture and textiles to rare 19th century watercolours, photographs, prints, books and design drawings, the exhibition will reveal how the West looked towards the Islamic world to create a much-needed modern style within design and architecture.
During the four-month exhibition, several events, organized by the department of education and interpretation, will take place at the museum to involve visitors of all ages in lectures, workshops and hands-on activities with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of Islamic design and architecture and its influence in a global context.
A panel discussion titled “Islamic Design in the Architecture of the Arab/Islamic Region” will take place at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization on Thursday 22 March at 4pm. The discussion will be chaired by Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, and will feature expert speakers including Mariam Rosser-Owen, Curator from the V&A’s Middle Eastern Department.
A photography competition will also accompany the exhibition where photographers are invited to submit their pictures of architecture inspired by the designs of Owen Jones. The winning photographs will then be displayed at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. The competition is open to photographers of 18 years and above. For more information visit the Sharjah Museums Department Website.
