The Art of Peace by Sir David Khalili
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In 1970, while studying in New York, a young Iranian began collecting works of art. Today, his eight collections comprise around 35,000 objects and 100 publications, which have been exhibited in 126 leading museums and institutions around the world.
This is the collector’s story.
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About the book
In 1967, Sir David Khalili finished his military service in Iran and travelled to study in the United States with $750 – his remaining royalties from a book he wrote when he was just 14. Over the course of the next five decades he single-handedly, piece by piece, assembled eight of the finest art collections in their field, ultimately becoming one of the world’s greatest collectors, about whom Queen Elizabeth Il once said: ‘It is scary how much this gentleman knows about art.’
For the first time, Sir David shares his extraordinary journey: one that has taken him through the souks of North Africa, the auction houses of Europe and the United States, the bazaars of South Asia, and far beyond. Through a riveting collection of real-life adventures, he reveals his collecting strategy, business ethics and what motivates him to continuously collect, conserve, research, publish and exhibit the treasures in his collections.
Through his story, Sir David questions how the undeniable power of art can be harnessed to foster greater peace and unity worldwide. No one is better placed to enlighten us.
The author
Journey of a Collector
Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili is a 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.
Sir David left Iran in 1967 and since 1970 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 at the Élysée Palace as well as a knighthood in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili is a globally recognised scholar, collector, philanthropist, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Born in Iran in 1945, Sir David completed his early education and national service in his home country before moving to the United States in 1967 to continue his studies. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Queens College, City University of New York, in 1974. He later relocated to the United Kingdom in 1978 and completed his PhD in Islamic Lacquer from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London by 1988.
Over the years, Sir David has assembled eight remarkable art collections, each specializing in a distinct field. These collections include Islamic Art, Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage, Aramaic Documents, Japanese Art of the Meiji Period, Japanese Kimono, Swedish Textiles, Spanish Damascene Metalwork, and Enamels of the World. Together, these collections comprise approximately 35,000 exceptional works of art, many of which have been exhibited at prestigious institutions worldwide.
Photography by: Hugo Burnand
Remarkable Art Collections and Scholarship
Across a span of five decades, Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili has curated eight of the world’s most exceptional art collections, each standing as the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Collectively known as the Eight Collections, these encompass approximately 35,000 extraordinary artworks, many of which have graced the exhibitions of esteemed institutions worldwide.
With a portfolio of more than 120 publications, every artwork within the Khalili Collections has undergone meticulous preservation, research, and cataloging, constituting one of the most ambitious endeavors in contemporary art scholarship. To date, Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili has overseen the publication of more than 88 volumes, collaborating with leading experts in each respective field.
Global Philanthropy and Intercultural Initiatives
Sir David Khalili is a prominent advocate for the global advancement of peace, unity, and mutual respect. His philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors, facilitated through the Khalili Foundation, have earned international recognition.
Over the course of the past three decades, the Khalili Foundation has emerged as a global leader in the promotion of intercultural relations. The Foundation has contributed millions of pounds to support and propel numerous internationally acclaimed initiatives that harness the transformative power of art, culture, and education to foster connections among people. Our esteemed partners encompass renowned international organizations like UNESCO and the Commonwealth, alongside leading institutions in research and education such as the University of Oxford and the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Photography by: Hugo Burnand