Islamic Metalwork from the Courtauld Gallery

A small selection of the Courtauld Gallery’s important collection of Islamic inlaid brassware contains some of the finest examples of this intricate and refined craft. This significant collection is comprised of Islamic metalwork ranging in date from the 13th to the 16th centuries. It was formed by one of the great Victorian art collectors.

Thomas Gambier Parry (1816 – 1888), to complement his acquisitions of precious medieval and early Renaissance paintings and decorative arts. Many of the best pieces in the collection have been on permanent display in The Courtauld Gallery since their bequest in 1966. But the metalwork has rarely left London, and never has such a large group of metalwork objects been brought together to be shown outside The Courtauld. 

Precious and Rare: Islamic metalwork from the Courtauld Gallery explores the origin and cultural context of these extraordinary objects, alongside displays of painting, photography, calligraphy and glassware from Bradford Museums and Galleries. 

A partnership between The Courtauld and the Subject Specialist Network (SSN) for Islamic Art and Material Culture (hosted by Birmingham Museums) and made possible with Art Fund support. 

Images: The Courtauld