A Festive Evening Showcasing Omani Silver at the British Omani Society

On Wednesday 10 December, members, friends, and Trustees of the British Omani Society gathered for a festive reception and a special private viewing of the Society’s unique collection of Omani silverware and jewellery. The evening was led by Dr Aude Mongiatti, a scientist in the Department of Scientific Research at the British Museum, whose expertise added valued insight into the artistry and cultural significance of the pieces on display.

The collection, originally donated by Sheilagh Bailey in 2013 and enriched by further generous gifts from members, offered a rare opportunity to explore the distinctive craftsmanship of Dhofar and other regions of Oman. Many attendees wore or brought their own Omani jewellery, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared appreciation and exchange.

The evening also paid tribute to Sheilagh Bailey, a distinguished former member of His Majesty’s Palace Office in Oman, whose service to the Sultanate was recognised with the prestigious Order of Oman. Her remarkable collection, including jewellery, daggers, kohl pots, and Qur’an boxes, formed the foundation of the Society’s holdings and continues to offer unique insights into Omani artistry and heritage.

Dr Mongiatti’s contribution was particularly meaningful given her role in the British Museum’s 2023 exhibition Making their Mark: Women Silversmiths from Oman, to which the Society proudly contributed grant funding. Her breadth of expertise, spanning Omani silver to Anglo-Saxon jewellery, enriched the evening’s discussions and deepened appreciation for the pieces on display.

The festive reception provided a chance for members to reconnect and celebrate the cultural and historical ties between the two nations. Thank you to all our valued attendees for celebrating the end to yet another eventful and beneficial year for the UK-Oman relations.