Organised by

Iran Heritage Foundation

Date

Wednesday 25th January 2017, 6.30pm

Location

Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7LP

Description

In this lecture Seyyed Akbar Helli will describe the very important work he has been doing since 1983 restoring historic buildings in Kashan including: the Tabatabaei House; the Ameri House; the Abbasian House; the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse; and the Borujerdi House. He also restored the Manouchehri House, which is now used as a hotel and which was shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016. This is a unique opportunity to hear from the leading expert in Iran in the restoration of historic buildings, which is an important component in the protection of Iranian cultural heritage. Seyyed Helli will discuss the techniques that are used, the skills that are required for this delicate work, and the training that is undertaken. It is intended that the lecture will be followed by a brief discussion on the ethics of restoration. ​

Biography

Akbar Helli began his career as an apprentice mason at the age of 13, and rapidly progressed to become a master builder, with a special interest in the restoration of historic buildings. He also studied architecture and design. Since 1983 he has been active in the restoration of historic buildings, renovating a number of historic residences in Kashan. His architectural practice in Kashan now provides training for specialist masons and other workmen involved in restoration. He taught at the Faculty of Arts and Architecture in the University of Kashan for 12 years from 1997. He founded the Kashan Anthropological Museum in 1383 and became its first director. ​

Tickets

Please note this lecture will be in Persian with an English translation

If you would prefer to pay by cheque, please make it payable to ‘IHF’ and send this along with your contact details to:
IHF, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP

The lecture will start promptly at 6.30pm so please ensure you arrive on time.

​For any inquiries please contact astrid@iranheritage.org, Tel: 020 3651 2121

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