FAISAL: A LIFE AT THE HEART OF THE 20TH CENTURY

In 1919, at the age of only 13, Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud led a delegation on a five-month trip to Britain, Ireland and France. He later became king of Saudi Arabia and an international figure of immense importance.

The journey had an enduring influence, helping to shape the young prince into the regional and international leader he would become. This touring exhibition commemorates the centenary of this important journey, using it as a starting point to explore Faisal’s life, his character, and his impact on Saudi Arabia and the wider world. Barker Langham were commissioned by the King Faisal Center to develop the exhibition concept, content, design and implementation. Through a process of meticulous research, curation, scriptwriting, exhibition design and audio-visual development, Barker Langham brought to life this momentous time for the young prince.

The Barker Langham team combined personal belongings, archival documents, newspaper reports, photographs and historical footage, supplemented with a series of video interviews with members of King Faisal’s family, to tell this incredible story. Barker Langham also commissioned and directed the design and production of the exhibition and provided training to exhibition guides. The first iteration of the exhibition was officially opened by HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal at 116 Pall Mall, London, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, diplomats, academics, and Saudi Arabian and British citizens.

The exhibition received much positive feedback from both the visiting public, and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, and will now go on to tour Europe.