The Arabian Gallery has collaborated with the Erth hotel in Abu Dhabi to curate an exquisite selection of prints showing UAE life through the lens of the legendary British explorer, author, and photographer, Sir Wilfred Thesiger. This collaboration offers Erth guests a deep and immersive experience that intertwines the rich history of the UAE with the contemporary elegance of the hotel. Before Erth opened to the public after renovations in 2021, it was part of The Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel built in the 1980s to help realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Upon entering the Erth hotel lobby, guests are greeted by a striking photograph of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, captured by Thesiger, setting the tone for the entire visual journey. Thesiger’s photographs, carefully curated and displayed throughout the hotel suites, offer a visual narrative of the UAE’s timeless beauty and history. Each meticulously chosen print serves as a window into the past, allowing guests to connect with the region’s cultural roots. The juxtaposition of these black-and-white images against the modern design of the Erth hotel and its contemporary suites creates a compelling contrast, providing the perfect canvas for Thesiger’s work. This harmonious blend of past and present enriches the guest experience by offering a slice of history in every room.
The integration of Thesiger’s work into the Erth hotel’s interior is more than just an aesthetic choice; it is a conscious effort to weave the narrative of the UAE’s heritage into the fabric of the guest experience. As Sheikha Al Kaabi, CEO of Erth, eloquently puts it, “These pieces are a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the UAE, and by integrating them into our guest suites and hotel lobby, we are offering our guests a deeply connected and uniquely memorable experience.”
Thesiger’s life was marked by his extraordinary travels across Arabia, particularly between 1945 and 1950, where he famously crossed the Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al Khali), and documented in a best-selling book called ‘Arabian Sands’. His adventures earned him numerous accolades, including the Founder’s Medal of the Royal Geographical Society and the Lawrence of Arabia Medal of the Royal Central Asian Society (now the Royal Society for Asian Affairs). His photographs – over 5,000 of which were taken during his Arabian travels – are renowned for their stark realism and evocative power. His portraits of Bedouins and sweeping desert landscapes, often captured in high-contrast black and white, tell the story of a bygone era with unparalleled authenticity. Thesiger’s work reflects his deep respect and admiration for the people and landscapes he encountered, making his images not just historical records but moving tributes to the Arabian Peninsula.
This collaboration between the Arabian Gallery and the Erth hotel makes its mark by demonstrating how art and design can come together to create a meaningful connection between past and present – offering guests not just a place to stay but an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural legacy of the UAE. thearabiangallery.com.
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