The Art of Peace

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 ObjectsHe has, in one person the great wisdom of three religious leaders: a Chief Rabbi a Cardinal and Grand Mufti – Pope Benedict XVIThis 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 NationsA man who works for dialogue and peace – Francois Hollande, former President of France

Professor Sir David Nasser Khalili is an Iranian-born British scholar, collector, philanthropist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. He received his 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, where he is a Member of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors.

Over his career Sir David has assembled eight of the world’s finest art collections comprising some 35,000 works, each being one of the most comprehensive in its field, 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, and Spanish Damascene Metalwork.

Sir David has ensured each work has been meticulously conserved, researched, catalogued, published and digitised by the world’s leading experts as part of what is considered to be one of the most ambitious art scholarship projects in modern history.

Sir David is also a pioneer of cultural philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. He is founder and chairman of the Khalili Foundation, which has supported and driven a number of projects that use the power of art, culture and education to foster 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 many honours and awards include Trustee of the City of Jerusalem and the High Sheriff of Greater London Award, as well as Knighthoods from 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 as well as a knighthood in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.