Photographs from the Iran diary (Art Fund Collection of Middle Eastern Photography)

This is an Art Fund initiative for the British Museum and V&A to acquire a collection of 20th century and contemporary photography and digital images by artists from the Middle East (whether living in their countries of origin or outside). The Art Fund has given the two museums grants over £150,000 for the collection and additional support for the tour of the collection. The 8 photographs have been chosen to convey key figures or captured moments in the unfolding events following the Iranian revolution of 1979. 1) Tehran Jan 1979 Hand dipped in blood; 2) Tehran Feb 15th 1979 Bodies of 4 generals; 3) Tehran Veiled women of the militia; 4) 1980 Armed mullahs Iran diary; 5) Tehran Armed militants outside US embassy (after 4th November); 6) November 1979 Ayatollah Montazari giving his sermon; 7) Women in front of walls of American embassy; 8) Crowd scene with the portrait of Khomeini in the centre.

Provenance

1) Al-Riwaq Gallery, Bahrain; 2) Casa Del Arte, Istanbul; 3-5) Rose Issa Projects, London; 6) Magnum Photos.