Weaving Poems, Sotheby’s London, London
Exhibition: Mon 28 Jul 2025 - Fri 22 Aug 2025
34-35 New Bond Street, W1A 2AA
Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm
Weaving Poems is a collection of 24 carpets created by Afghan designer Maryam Omar and the women weavers of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan. The designs are inspired by poems associated with traditional weaving practices, as well as by the natural and cultural landscapes of the Bamiyan Valley.
The exhibition pays tribute to these artisan communities and their heritage. Weaving Poems was first exhibited at Qatar Museums’ inaugural Design Doha in 2024. A sister exhibition will open at the UNESCO Cultural Centre in Bamiyan in September 2025. The Weaving Poems carpets were handwoven using locally sourced spun wool and natural and mineral dyes by Nakbakht, Shahra Bano, Sadiqa, Ruqia, Soqra, Razia, Ozra, Fatema, Zahra, Maryam, Masuma, Sharifa, Zahra, Sakina, Nakbakht, Malalay, Rahima, Noor Begum, Sajeda, Zainab, Aziza, Marziya, Zahra and Razia.
Fourteen of the Weaving Poems carpets will be on display at Sotheby’s New Bond Street from July 28 to August 22 2025. The exhibition is organized by the UK charity Turquoise Mountain Trust in partnership with Sotheby’s and marks the first in a series of events celebrating Turquoise Mountain’s 20th year.
Turquoise Mountain’s work with artisan communities in Afghanistan is generously supported by the Qatar Fund For Development, Alwaleed Philanthropies and partners around the world.
