British Representations of the Middle East in the Exhibition Space, 1850-1932: Race, Gender, and Morality

This book explores how British exhibitions of Middle Eastern artefacts in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries shaped British self-image in response to the Middle Eastern 'other'. It argues that these exhibitions reinforced British supremacy through the intersection of gender, race, morality, and space. The study focuses on the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Burlington House, and employs a constructionist lens to examine the complex relationship between British society and the artefacts presented.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the examination of British exhibitions of Middle Eastern (particularly ancient Egyptian and Persian) artefacts during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By exploring how these exhibitions shaped British self-perception in response to the Middle Eastern 'other,' it offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the subject. Through an intersectional constructionist lens, the study uncovers the intricate interplay of forces such as gender, race, morality, and space that contribute to the construction of British supremacy. Museums emerge as pivotal points of contact between the British national imperialist agenda and the general public, as they serve as vehicles for the representation and display of Middle Eastern artefacts. The analysis focuses on prominent museums like the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Burlington House, providing a rich foundation for the study. By employing a constructionist approach, the research delineates a complex relationship between British society and the Middle Eastern artefacts showcased in these museums during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This analysis fosters a dialogue that holds implications for both societies, achieved through the intersections of gender, race, and morality in the spatial context.

This book is of immense value to students and scholars alike who are interested in the fields of museology, cultural studies, history, and art history. It provides a deep understanding of the historical context and cultural significance of these exhibitions, shedding light on the ways in which they shaped British identity and contributed to the broader global discourse on the Middle East.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032426938