
The Art of Peace
$54.36
- Hardcover
288 pages
- Release Date
2 December 2023
Summary
The life of a world-renowned art collector, scholar and philanthropist
In 1967, Sir David Khalili finished his military service in Iran and travelled to study in the United States with $750 - his remaining royalties from a book he wrote when he was just 14. Over the course of the next five decades he single-handedly, piece by piece, assembled eight of the finest art collections in their field, ultimately becoming one of the world’s greatest collectors, about whom Queen Elizabeth II on…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781529918182 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1529918189 |
| Author: | Sir David Khalili |
| Publisher: | Ebury Publishing |
| Imprint: | Ebury Press |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 288 |
| Release Date: | 2 December 2023 |
| Weight: | 518g |
| Dimensions: | 30mm x 162mm x 240mm |

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Critics Review
A compelling account of the making — and the maker — of an outstanding collection, which has been shared, admired and enjoyed around the world – Neil MacGregor, author of A History of the World in 100 Objects
He has, in one person the great wisdom of three religious leaders: a Chief Rabbi a Cardinal and Grand Mufti – Pope Benedict XVI
This book, just like David’s life, is the embodiment of cultural diversity and interfaith harmony – RH Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Nations
A man who works for dialogue and peace – Francois Hollande, former President of France
Sir David Khalili
Professor Sir David Nasser Khalili
Professor Sir David Nasser Khalili is an Iranian-born British scholar, collector, philanthropist, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. He holds a PhD in Islamic Art from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, where he was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 1992. He is also an Honorary Fellow of Wolfson College, University of Oxford, and a Member of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors.
Throughout his career, Sir David has assembled eight of the world’s most comprehensive art collections, comprising approximately 35,000 works. These collections cover diverse fields, including:
- Enamels of the World
- Islamic Art
- Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage
- Aramaic Documents
- Japanese Art of the Meiji Period
- Japanese Kimonos
- Swedish Textiles
- Spanish Damascene Metalwork
Sir David has overseen the meticulous conservation, research, cataloguing, publication, and digitization of each work by leading experts, undertaking what is considered one of the most ambitious art scholarship projects in modern history.
A pioneer of cultural philanthropy and cultural diplomacy, Sir David is the founder and chairman of the Khalili Foundation. This foundation supports and drives projects that leverage art, culture, and education to promote peace and unity. Key partners include UNESCO, the Commonwealth, The Prince’s Trust, Aspen Institute, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
Sir David’s numerous honours and awards include being appointed Trustee of the City of Jerusalem and receiving the High Sheriff of Greater London Award. He has been knighted by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. He also received the rank of Officier in the National Order of the Legion of Honour from the French President, François Hollande, and was awarded a knighthood in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
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