PERSIAN STEEL - A MIRROR OF LIFE IN IRAN
Exhibition | Introduction

Venue: 
Brunei Gallery, SOAS, Thornhaugh St., London WC1H 0XG.

Dates and Hours:
15 October - 12 December 2003
Monday - Friday 10.30am-5.00pm.

Organised by:
The Iran Heritage Foundation 
in association with
The School of Oriental and African Studies (Univ. of London).

Curated by:
James Allan
Parviz Tanavoli
with assistance from
Rose Issa
Maryam Khosrowshahi.

Supported by:
Asia House
An indemnity by the British Government
London Middle East Institute
Maryam Khosrowshahi
Sedigheh Rastegar.

Introduction:
The present exhibition is dedicated to the collection of Persian steel objects gathered over the last thirty years by the Iranian sculptor, Parviz Tanavoli. If the artistic productions of Islamic Iran remain reputed for their geometric, calligraphic, figurative and arabesque adornments, the pieces exhibited here additionally testify to a constant concern about form. It is even more striking that this keen attention to form is not exclusive to ceremonial and devotional objects, but is equally visible in the instruments and utensils of daily life as well as the tools of various trades. The artisans applied their imagination to the potential of each object they crafted, without ever impairing its function or practical qualities. It is difficult to determine the origin of this particular bias towards form, and why it manifests itself in the steel industry in Iran, and at a relatively late date (17th – 19th century). This ability to concentrate on the simplicity of lines and forms gives elegance to each item. Thus, it is easy to understand that such sculptural qualities should seduce the collector who is equally sensitive to the customs of a society which helped the iron and steel industries to blossom under the reign of the Safavids and the Qajars.

Admission: 
Free.

Enquiries:
020 7493 4766, info@iranheritage.org, 
020 7898 4046, gallery@soas.ac.uk.