V&A, THE JAMEEL GALLERY

THE JAMEEL GALLERY OF ISLAMIC ART

LONDON, UK

2006-2005

The new layout of the Islamic Art Gallery forms part of the V&A’s renewal programme, which began in 2002 with the British Galleries.

The collection of rugs is quite unique, and for the most precious of all, the Ardabil rug, a masterpiece of 16^th-century Persian craftsmanship, which was to be displayed laid out on the floor, a special vitrine was made: more than a vitrine, it was a glass “room” measuring over 70 square metres, which could be raised and assures perfect visibility of the rug. To preserve its colours, it is illuminated for only ten minutes every hour and a half.

For the rest, the displays are marked by cabinets revealing a sophisticated minimalism highlighting the precious nature of the items on display.