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Simon Sebag Montefiore in Conversation
Join bestselling historian and master storyteller Simon Sebag Montefiore for a look at the making of the modern Middle East, through the lens of key objects in the V&A’s collection
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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The Middle East has forever been the source of religions, prize of empires, and epicentre of our tumultuous world – and museums like the V&A are often home to objects that illustrate and exemplify the complexity and interconnectedness of this region.
One such object is the Montefiore Centrepiece, presented to Sir Moses Montefiore following his successful intervention in the Damascus Affair of 1840. The Centrepiece is part of a wider collection at the V&A with their origins and stories inextricably linked with the unique history of the region – a history examined in a fresh and unique way in The Cauldron, from prizewinning historian Simon Sebag Montefiore.
Join him in conversation for an exploration of the stories behind the silver, and how these objects form a part of the dazzling panorama of faith and fanaticism, creativity and tolerance, dictatorship and democracy that have come together to make the modern Middle East.
Header image: Simon Sebag Montefiore image © Marcus Leoni - Folhapress