We’re delighted to share this insightful documentary film, Soane’s Indian Album, hosted by Indian art specialist Dr Ursula Weekes, who is currently cataloguing Sir John Soane’s collections of calligraphy and paintings by Persian and Mughal artists.

In this documentary, produced by Nishat Ahmed and featuring historian William Dalrymple, Ursula explores the story of these beautiful works. Sir John Soane was not a major collector of Indian art, but towards the end of his life he bought two fine albums of Indian and Persian calligraphy specimens and miniature paintings, the latter dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Watch the documentary here, on Vimeo.

Soane's Indian Album from ClearRun on Vimeo.

Produced by highly skilled artists, the paintings in Soane’s collection explored in this documentary depict scenes from noble life. Dr. Ursula Weekes, an expert in Indian art of the 16th and 17th centuries, has been cataloguing the collection, and once completed, this important work will form an invaluable addition to the Soane’s extensive Collections Online platform.

Soane’s Indian Album was produced and directed by Nishat Ahmed, of ClearRun Productions.