Sotheby’s Takes Over London’s Bond Street for Middle Eastern Celebration
This summer, Sotheby’s is transforming London’s iconic Bond Street into a vibrant hub of Middle Eastern culture with their event “Hafla,” which means celebration in Arabic.
Each of Sotheby’s London galleries will be hosting a unique aspect of Middle East culture as part of a month-long series of exhibitions and public events.
Highlights of the event include five limited-edition handbags designed by Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah Al-Faisal in collaboration with Asprey and her brand Nuun. These bold designs pay tribute to the diversity and beauty of the Kingdom’s five major regions through color, motifs, and embroidery techniques.
In addition, over 50 artworks spanning 50 years of modern visual art from the Kingdom will be displayed, curated by Qaswra Hafez, founder of Hafez Gallery in Jeddah.
Visitors can also admire 60 exceptional jewelry creations by A2Z Advisory Bahrain, showcasing the influence of the Eastern world on jewelry design.
The exhibitions will also feature rich calligraphic traditions from across the Islamic world, ranging from early Qur’anic manuscripts in Kufic script to lavish illuminations from the Qajars. This selection of important leaves from religious and secular manuscripts showcases the evolution and diversity of calligraphic arts from the eighth to the 21st century.
Accompanying the art and objects on display will be a series of events designed to immerse visitors in the rich history of the Middle East, including panel discussions and gallery tours.
To complete the experience, Sotheby’s Restaurant will be transformed to reflect the vibrant cafe culture of the region.