Michael Backman: Art History & Material Culture

How does one stay curious as one grows older? Perhaps collecting is the key? Maybe collectors are at an advantage? Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett consider these questions. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Objects made of filigree are among the most extraordinary items ever to have been produced from gold and silver. Such items present one of the great mysteries of the art world. Where were they made? Who made them? How? Filigree, it turns out, is an art practiced by gold and silversmiths from Southeast Asia, to India, to Europe, Northern Africa and South America. And that makes filigree even more o...

Sarah Corbett discussses with Michael Backman her favourite book: 'Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry' by Marjorie Ransom. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

In this episode, Michael Backman is in conversation with Sarah Corbett, about the book 'Court Arts of Indonesia' by Helen Ibbitson Jessup. Published in 1990, it was one of the first books on Asia art Michael bought and it has remained his favourite ever since, despite now having a library of over thousand books on Asian art, culture & history. Listen to this Podcast to find out why h...

Michael Backman is the author of 8 books and numerous articles and columns. Another book is on the way! When not involved with his London Gallery, he has been spending this year researching and writing a new book on the silver and gold of the Malay world. In this podcast he talks with Sarah Corbett about the book and some of his initial findings. The book will be published in 2021.  www.michaelbac...

Our innovative monthly catalogues have become something of an institution among our followers and clients. The catalogues showcase our new items of material culture drawn from around the world, but all sourced from UK & European collections. The work that goes into each catalogue is enormous. Between 30 and 50 new items are features every month! And as soon as one catalogue is finished, it is...

Narisa Chakrabongse grew up in England, but is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn. Today she is the founder and CEO of the successful art publishing house River Books, which has been at the forefront of publishing books on Asian art, history & culture for 30 years. In this second part of two Podcasts, Narisa discusses her professio...

Narisa Chakrabongse is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn.  She grew up in England, the daughter of a Thai prince and an English mother. At 15, while still living in England, she found herself orphaned, in the middle of her school exams, and now the sole inheritor of a royal mansion in Bangkok, behind the Grand Palace, in need of upkee...

Nielloware is a traditional type of richly decorated silverware produced in southern Thailand. The craft is dying out but local businessman and art collector  Anupasana Suwanmongkol is leading attempts to try to save the craft before it is too late. In this episode, Michael Backman discusses these efforts with  Anupasana Suwanmongkol at his family's hotel in Pattani, in Thailand's south....

Dawn Rooney is one of the world's most accomplished researchers and authors in the field of early Southeast Asian ceramics particularly those from Thailand & Cambodia, as well as on ancient Khmer culture and architecture. An American based in Bangkok, Michael Backman talks with Dawn Rooney at her home in Bangkok about her career as a researcher and prolific author on Southeast Asian art....

Michael Backman chats to actor and collector Julian Sands, star of A Room With a View , The Killing Fields, The Painted Bird & much more. For more visit: https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/

Michael Backman in conversation with Sarah Corbett about the history of & market for Chinese export silver antiques. 

Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett discuss the ever important task of identifying fakes and forgeries in the art & antiques world. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss the way for self publishers and publishers of niche books to ensure that their work reaches their target market. 

The use of betel nut around the world, and a look at the customs and accessories associated with its use around the world.

An interview with Michael Backman of Michael Backman Ltd.  Exploring Michael’s career and love of decorative arts.  Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg discuss silver objects from the material culture of the Thai people. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Michael Backman speaks to Jolanda Bos about her new book, Paint It Black, a biography of kohl containers.

Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss items from the material culture of the Berber people. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.