Sotheby’s London celebrates A Middle Eastern Summer

The exhibition takes place in New Bond Street. 

London is heating up. Sotheby’s London is celebrating the season with A Middle Eastern Summer, which showcases art from the region. Running until 30 August, it brings together culture, calligraphy and a cool café experience. 

A Middle Eastern Summer includes the exhibition Khamseen: 50 Years of Saudi Visual Arts. The show includes 50 works spanning the last 50 years in the Kingdom. The event has been curated with Qaswra Hafez and Hafez Gallery, and includes paintings, sculptures and installations. The artists include Dana Awartani, Dia Aziz Dia, Mounirah Mosly, Mohammed Al Saleem, Adulrahman Al Soliman and Abdulhalim Radwi. 

The exhibition also features 27 calligraphic works, which showcase the written word as an artistic expression. It’s a chance to explore how the Arabic script has changed over the years and across different countries. One of the highlights is the Qur’an leaves in Kufic, which show early iterations of the script. 

A Middle Eastern Summer doesn’t just dazzle with art, but also with jewellery. A2Z offers advice in the Middle East and beyond on building a jewellery collection. The jewellery collection on show includes Bulgari, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. 

After all that culture, guests can refuel at The Story Café. The café draws inspiration from Middle Eastern courtyards and coffee houses. The majlis-esque space aims to be a cultural sanctuary blending together art, heritage and food. Look out for the artisanal desserts from Cake & Flowers at The Dorchester.

Sotheby’s London is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, and Saturday to Sunday from midday to 5pm. 

GO: Visit www.sothebys.com for more information.