The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and in addition to its regular objects, often plays hosts to astounding collections from… Continue reading Jewels of Persia at the Epic Iran – 5,000 years of Culture exhibition at the V&A
Tag: Iran
There’s something about Persian door-knockers!
One of the things I like about travel is encountering different ideas and customs. I really like noticing the differences. Even in the U.K. there are huge variations in buildings, landscapes, foods, accents and even customs. Whilst others delight in the homogenisation of things, especially in Europe, there is nothing that I dislike more. Things… Continue reading There’s something about Persian door-knockers!
The Fire Temple of Chak Chak that weeps for its princess.
Earlier this week I was reminded of a wonderfully tragical romantic episode of history when I was attaching the fabulous new BBC 4 show entitled The Art of Persia. Towards the beginning of the programme they visited a spot that I have long wanted to visit near the Iranian city of Ardakan, a particularly holy… Continue reading The Fire Temple of Chak Chak that weeps for its princess.
When your biggest hope turns into your worst nightmare – The Legend of Prester John
Prester John was for several centuries once one of the most famous people in the world, despite not having ever existed. His non-existence however didn’t stop him having a great and possibly horrific legacy to those who believed in him in possibly the biggest example of the phrase “Be careful what you wish for”. Before… Continue reading When your biggest hope turns into your worst nightmare – The Legend of Prester John
Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes.
At this time of year, my back garden so often looks like it has taken a real battering from months of incessant rain, sometimes snow and many weeks of seemingly constant gales or worse. Sometimes a tree will blow over or even snap meaning our beloved garden has a gaping hole in it. Of… Continue reading Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes.
Sunni and Shia Islam – All you Need To Know – Islam 101
You’d have to be living on another planet not to hear about the seemingly endless troubles in the Middle-East. To many in the west, Muslims are Muslims but it is much more complex than that with an ancient schism dominating the religion and threatening to engulf the world whether we know about it or not.… Continue reading Sunni and Shia Islam – All you Need To Know – Islam 101
Stephen Liddell 