Essential Information
| Type | Talks and tours |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and Times | Wednesday 16 April 2025 | 1pm - 1.30pm |
| Prices | Free |
Diving into the Past: The Legacy of Pearl Diving in the Arabian Gulf through Villiers’ Lens
Pearls have been considered a symbol of luxury and opulence across time and space: from the Tudor courts, to the shores of the Arabian Gulf, to Jacques Cartier’s Paris workshop.
The labour-intensive practice of obtaining these valuable gemstones through diving is now largely considered obsolete. For centuries, however, it shaped the Gulf’s culture, economy, and identity.
Join researcher Taibah Al-Fagih to explore the historical and cultural significance of pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf, with a chance to view Alan Villiers’ photographs of one of the last generations of divers, offering a rare glimpse into their daily life and communities in the early 20th century.
By linking these images with the historical and cultural significance of pearl diving, the talk aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Gulf's maritime heritage and the enduring legacy of this once-thriving industry.
About the Speaker
Taibah Al-Fagih recently completed her tenure as Caird Fellow at Royal Museums Greenwich, where she conducted research on the Alan Villiers photographic collection taken in the Arabian Gulf between 1938-39.
She holds a Masters in Global and Imperial History from the University of Oxford and a BA in International History from the London School of Economics, and is particularly interested in modern Middle Eastern history and politics.
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Salons in the Queen's House
This event is part of our Salons series, a programme of talks inspired by the history of the Queen's House and its collections.
The term ‘salon’ was used historically to describe social gatherings in the domestic sphere. Participation was open to a range of individuals, and women often acted as hosts. Salons were alternative spaces for learning, debate and the exchange of ideas. We continue to explore this tradition at the Queen’s House.
Speakers at our Salons include artists, researchers, curators and creative practitioners. Their talks bring to light new insights and share different perspectives.
What’s On
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