The Carpet and the Connoisseur: The James F. Ballard Collection of Oriental Rugs

http://www.slam.org/Exhibitions/ballard.php

During the early 20th century, St. Louis businessman, and avid world traveler, James F. Ballard became one of the country’s top collectors of Oriental carpets. Ballard ultimately divided his collection of carpets between the Saint Louis Art Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1929 and 1930. Another group of carpets were added to the St. Louis collection through a later donation by his daughter, Nellie Ballard White, in 1972. As a result the Museum has amassed a collection of Oriental rugs recognized as one of the most significant collections in the world.

The Carpet and the Connoisseur, on view March6-May 8 in the Museum’s Special Exhibition galleries, will highlight 51 carpets from the Ballard collection as well as two 19th-century Persian pleasure tents that were used for outdoor gatherings.

Join Walter Denny , distinguished professor in Islamic Arts at the University of Massachusetts and guest curator, as he speaks on the Museum’s unrivaled collection of precious Oriental textiles.

This event is free. All events in The Farrell Auditorium, including free events, are ticketed. Tickets may be purchased or reserved in person at the Museum’s Information Centers or through MetroTix at metrotix.com. All tickets purchased or reserved through MetroTix incur a service charge.

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