WHAT? The Arab Hall: Past and Present

WHERE? Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ

WHEN? Now until 4th October (Open Wednesdays to Mondays)

WHY GO? To be transported into another world. Victorian artist Frederic Leighton created a unique home in Holland Park that famously houses the dazzling Arab Hall featuring his treasured collections of Middle Eastern tiles because he wanted, “something beautiful to look at once in a while”.

Inspired by their exotic travels, both Leighton and his architect friend George Aitchison were united in their desire to bring craftsmanship of the Arab world to London at a time when ornate patterns were highly revered.

Marking 100 years since Leighton House became a museum, a collaborative project of exhibits and events celebrates the past and showcases the present, starting with a stunning sculpture in the Arab Hall by Lebanese artist Ramzi Mallat.

It symbolically represents the gaze, referencing the neighbouring Narcissus Hall and is made from 7000 mass-produced evil eye charms refined and shaped like an Ottoman helmet.

Along with displays showcasing the design and construction of the Arab Hall and an imaginative film by award-winning Soudade Kaadan, the visionary spirit of Leighton’s dream lives on.

IN THE KNOW Following Mallat’s site-specific sculpture, two further contemporary artists will celebrate the Arab Hall’s history. First up, embroidery artist Kamilah Ahmed, and later calligrapher and artist Soraya Syed, who is the first Briton to be awarded a certificate for mastery in Ottoman traditional calligraphy. Check online for dates and further info.