Edmund de Waal will be in conversation with biographer Hermione Lee about his life and work, as well as the intersections of art and memoir-writing. The event will be followed by a complimentary wine reception and book sale.
Edmund de Waal will be in conversation with biographer Hermione Lee about his life and work, as well as the intersections of art and memoir-writing. The event will be followed by a complimentary wine reception and book sale.
Photo: Ben McKee
In this special event, join cook and food writer Nigel Slater and Edmund de Waal as they explore how art, cooking and everyday beauty intertwine; and how finding small moments of joy feels like a radical and necessary act in today’s society. This event is now fully booked.
In this special event, join cook and food writer Nigel Slater and Edmund de Waal as they explore how art, cooking and everyday beauty intertwine; and how finding small moments of joy feels like a radical and necessary act in today’s society. This event is now fully booked.
Photograph: Charleston Farmhouse by Simon Carey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Join Edmund de Waal as he explores the theme of Create and Transform through fragments and brokenness. Bookended by musical performance, de Waal will reflect on the creative power of pot shards, poetry, and the beauty of incompleteness in his work.
Join Edmund de Waal as he explores the theme of Create and Transform through fragments and brokenness. Bookended by musical performance, de Waal will reflect on the creative power of pot shards, poetry, and the beauty of incompleteness in his work.
He will examine how broken fragments spark transformation, shaping museum spaces and personal meaning. The event concludes with performances that respond to the theme, filling the Ashmolean with soundscapes of creation, transformation, and cultural resonance.
Photography: Alzbeta Jaresova
100 years to the day from publication, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Edmund de Waal and Deborah Levy took Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway as the inspiration for three new pieces of work, while Chineke! Chamber Orchestra performed Florence B. Price’s ‘String Quartet No. 1 in G Major’ and movements from Max Richter’s ‘Woolf Works’, accompanied by readings from the novel.
100 years to the day from publication, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Edmund de Waal and Deborah Levy took Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway as the inspiration for three new pieces of work, while Chineke! Chamber Orchestra performed Florence B. Price’s ‘String Quartet No. 1 in G Major’ and movements from Max Richter’s ‘Woolf Works’, accompanied by readings from the novel.
Photograph: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Edmund de Waal led a digital celebration of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway as part of the Hay Festival Book Club. In this 60-minute online event, de Waal shared his insights into Woolf’s timeless novel, diving into his personal reading and interpretations.
Edmund de Waal led a digital celebration of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway as part of the Hay Festival Book Club. In this 60-minute online event, de Waal shared his insights into Woolf’s timeless novel, diving into his personal reading and interpretations.
The session included 45 minutes of chaired discussion, followed by 15 minutes for audience questions, which were curated and filtered in advance.
Photography: Alzbeta Jaresova
Edmund de Waal joined Laura Beatty, the Ondaatje Prize-shortlisted novelist and biographer, in this special event to celebrate the publication of her chapbook Pear Trees. Beatty read from the chapbook and was in conversation de Waal.
Edmund de Waal was joined in conversation with Josh Spero of the Finanical Times at this TEFAF Salon event. Their conversation explored the key influences on de Waal’s work, such as history, personal heritage, and poetry.
Edmund de Waal was joined in conversation with Josh Spero of the Finanical Times at this TEFAF Salon event. Their conversation explored the key influences on de Waal’s work, such as history, personal heritage, and poetry.
It also touched upon his deep connection to art and craft, emphasising his advocacy for experiencing art across different eras and geographies. Click the icon below to watch.
Photography: Ben McKee
This screening of Ruth Zylberman's film investigating the legacy of the Camondo family was followed by a conversation between the filmmaker and Edmund de Waal, whose book Letters to Camondo was published in 2021, alongside an exhibition of installations at the Musée Nissim de Camondo, Paris.
For the Chester Beatty Annual Lecture this year, Edmund de Waal presented Good for a Single Journey: Netsuke and Stories in a Fractured World.
For the Chester Beatty Annual Lecture this year, Edmund de Waal presented Good for a Single Journey: Netsuke and Stories in a Fractured World.
In this illustrated lecture he recounted the story of discovering his great uncle's collection of netsuke and how this unexpected inheritance led him to explore ideas of exile and migration in both his writing and his artistic practice. Click the icon below to watch.
Photography: Tom Jamieson
Hosted by The Brooklyn Rail, this event brought together curator Dr. Alice Ensabella, artists Tacita Dean, Edmund de Waal, Joel Meyerowitz, and Luc Tuymans, alongside Brooklyn Rail's ArtSeen editor Amanda Gluibizzi, for a discussion on Giorgio Morandi's life, work, and legacy.
Hosted by The Brooklyn Rail, this event brought together curator Dr. Alice Ensabella, artists Tacita Dean, Edmund de Waal, Joel Meyerowitz, and Luc Tuymans, alongside Brooklyn Rail's ArtSeen editor Amanda Gluibizzi, for a discussion on Giorgio Morandi's life, work, and legacy.
The conversation complemented the current exhibition at David Zwirner in New York. Click the icon below to watch a recording of the talk.
Photography: Tom Jamieson
In this illustrated lecture, Edmund de Waal explored his relationship with the idea of home through his writings and artistic practice. The lecture included discussion of his projects in Venice and at the Musée Camondo, Paris; Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna; Japanisches Palais, Dresden; and in Berlin.
In this illustrated lecture, Edmund de Waal explored his relationship with the idea of home through his writings and artistic practice. The lecture included discussion of his projects in Venice and at the Musée Camondo, Paris; Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna; Japanisches Palais, Dresden; and in Berlin.
Photography: Tom Jamieson
In conjunction with his exhibition letters home, Edmund de Waal gave a talk at Galerie Max Hetzler, Potsdamer Straße 77-87, in Berlin, on Saturday, 15 June.
In conjunction with his exhibition letters home, Edmund de Waal gave a talk at Galerie Max Hetzler, Potsdamer Straße 77-87, in Berlin, on Saturday, 15 June.
Taking place in the exhibition space, de Waal discussed his writings and artistic practice for this special event, touching on notions of home, memory and identity.
Photography: Ben McKee
Edmund de Waal was in conversation with Olivier Gabet, director of the Département des objets d’art at the Musée du Louvre, and curator of de Waal’s exhibition Lettres à Camondo at the Musée Nissim de Camondo in 2021. Click the icon below to watch.
Edmund de Waal was in conversation with Olivier Gabet, director of the Département des objets d’art at the Musée du Louvre, and curator of de Waal’s exhibition Lettres à Camondo at the Musée Nissim de Camondo in 2021. Click the icon below to watch.
Photo: Christophe Dellière. © MAD, Paris. Courtesy of the artist and of Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.
In this special event at Vienna's Konzerthaus, Edmund de Waal read from his book Letters to Camondo, accompanied by the Javus Quartett.
In conjunction with the exhibition Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery, Edmund de Waal gave a talk about Rie’s life in both Vienna and London, and her influence on his own work.
Edmund de Waal delivered the fourth City of Literature lecture as part of UNESCO's City of Literature programme.
Edmund de Waal delivered the fourth City of Literature lecture as part of UNESCO's City of Literature programme.
Photo: Ben McKee
At the Charleston Festival of the Garden, Edmund de Waal was in conversation reflecting on the beauty and importance of decay
At the Charleston Festival of the Garden, Edmund de Waal was in conversation reflecting on the beauty and importance of decay
Every autumn, we witness decay on a grand scale as leaves fall and gardens die back for the winter, leaving only shapes and structures behind. But what value can be found in decay? In ‘Perdendosi’, his recent collaborative work with photographer Norman McBeath, de Waals’s text ‘Twelve Leaves’, sits alongside 12 photographs of leaves undergoing this transformation, becoming more like parchment than plant, taking up the most extraordinary shapes and revealing unique personalities. See decay with fresh eyes as we consider the beauty of the natural skeletons it leaves behind.
Photography: Lewis Ronald
In a new programme for BBC Radio 4, Edmund de Waal spoke to Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, about the life of Josiah Wedgwood, his genius and his legacy. First broadcast in June the full programme is now available to listen again on BBC Sounds.
In a new programme for BBC Radio 4, Edmund de Waal spoke to Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, about the life of Josiah Wedgwood, his genius and his legacy. First broadcast in June the full programme is now available to listen again on BBC Sounds.
Photograph: Tray of Queen's ware trials, by Josiah Wedgwood and sons, 1765, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Museum no. WE.4119-2014. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Edmund de Waal will be at this year's Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas, in conversation with Dorothy Cross and Phillippe Sands.
Edmund de Waal will be at this year's Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas, in conversation with Dorothy Cross and Phillippe Sands.
Photography: Tom Jamieson
For this re-airing of BBC Radio 3's series The Essay, de Waal read five essays on migration, pots, and potters, including Magdalene Odundo, Hans Coper and Josiah Wedgwood. Listen to the entire series via the link below.
In March, de Waal was invited to speak at MFA Boston as part of the Ruth and Carl Shapiro Lecture series. The talk focussed on his artistic process, storytelling and the poetry of sculpture.
In March, de Waal was invited to speak at MFA Boston as part of the Ruth and Carl Shapiro Lecture series. The talk focussed on his artistic process, storytelling and the poetry of sculpture.
Photography: Sintakso, CC BY-SA 4.0 <;, via Wikimedia Commons
Edmund de Waal joined Celia Paul for an evening hosted by Katy Hessel at Art/Lit, The London Library’s regular salon event.
Edmund de Waal, Anna Della Subin and Anthony Sattin in conversation with William Dalrymple at the Jaipur Literary Festival 2023.
Edmund de Waal, Anna Della Subin and Anthony Sattin in conversation with William Dalrymple at the Jaipur Literary Festival 2023.
Edmund de Waal joined Aanchal Malhotra in conversation at the Jaipur Literary Festival to discuss both The Hare with Amber Eyes and Letters to Camondo.
Edmund de Waal joined Andrew Logan and Ruth Ozeki in conversation with Kavita Puri on the subject of memoir at the Jaipur Literary Festival.
Magdalene Odundo and Edmund de Waal, both of whom appeared in Strange Clay: Ceramics in Contemporary Art, discuss clay’s intricacies as a medium.
Magdalene Odundo and Edmund de Waal, both of whom appeared in Strange Clay: Ceramics in Contemporary Art, discuss clay’s intricacies as a medium.
De Waal's 2014 installation, atmosphere, shown here installed at Turner Contemporary, Margate, was part of the exhibition.
Photography: Mike Bruce.
At Hatchards, Piccadilly, to celebrate the paperback publication of his book Letters to Camondo, de Waal discussed his exploration of the Camondos’ lavish rooms and detailed archives which led him to write this haunting series of letters to the Count, reflecting on the events that so scarred 20th-century Europe.
At Hatchards, Piccadilly, to celebrate the paperback publication of his book Letters to Camondo, de Waal discussed his exploration of the Camondos’ lavish rooms and detailed archives which led him to write this haunting series of letters to the Count, reflecting on the events that so scarred 20th-century Europe.
Photograph: Room of Nissim de Camondo. Paris, Musée Nissim de Camondo. © MAD, Paris / Jean-Marie del Moral
For two nights only, see Ballet des Porcelaines, a lost 18th-century ballet, performed in the fairy-tale grounds of Waddesdon before exploring the Manor and the new exhibition by Edmund de Waal after-hours.
Edmund de Waal was in conversation with Chad Coerver, executive director of the Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco for the Jewish Learning Works Marsha Rivkind Raleigh Memorial Lecture.
Edmund de Waal was in conversation with Chad Coerver, executive director of the Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco for the Jewish Learning Works Marsha Rivkind Raleigh Memorial Lecture.
Photo: Slide from the lecture
At this year's Hay Festival, Edmund de Waal joined art historian, curator and broadcaster Katy Hessel to discuss Letters to Camondo. Click the link below for a recording via the Hay Player (subscription required).
At this year's Hay Festival, Edmund de Waal joined art historian, curator and broadcaster Katy Hessel to discuss Letters to Camondo. Click the link below for a recording via the Hay Player (subscription required).
Photo: Tom Jamieson
Memory and archives are the main concepts of this conversation. In it, Edmund de Waal and Hans Ulrich Obrist converse, highlighting their work as artists and writers in relation to the above concepts.
In this short, illustrated talk as part of the Bernard Leach Conference, Edmund de Waal will look at projects dealing with memory and restitution including his library of exile and exhibitions in Vienna, Paris and New York.
For the James L. Weinberg Distinguished Lecture at the Jewish Museum, New York, Edmund de Waal was in conversation with author and journalise Sandee Brawarsky.
Edmund de Waal launches a new annual talk in memory of the Oxford literary agent Felicity Bryan by discussing his friendship with her alongside his new book Letters to Camondo.
Edmund de Waal launches a new annual talk in memory of the Oxford literary agent Felicity Bryan by discussing his friendship with her alongside his new book Letters to Camondo.
Photo: Eamonn McCabe
A conversation with Edmund de Waal and E. Randol Schoenberg, Jewish genealogist and the well-known attorney who recovered the Klimt paintings from Austria. This event is part of the JewishGen series, run in conjunction with The Jewish Museum, New York and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York.
A conversation with Edmund de Waal and E. Randol Schoenberg, Jewish genealogist and the well-known attorney who recovered the Klimt paintings from Austria. This event is part of the JewishGen series, run in conjunction with The Jewish Museum, New York and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York.
Photography: Iwan Baan
In an episode for Always Authors, a new podcast featuring candid conversations between two authors, Edmund de Waal joins the acclaimed writer André Aciman in conversation about their work, lives, and favourite books.
To mark the 70th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, Edmund de Waal will deliver the keynote address on the final day of Jewish Book Week.
To mark the 70th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, Edmund de Waal will deliver the keynote address on the final day of Jewish Book Week.
Photo: Kings Place
As part of London Review of Books’ That Year Again series, Ange Mlinko, Don Paterson and Edmund de Waal discuss Rilke’s ‘savage creative storm’.
Edmund de Waal discusses his book Letters to Camondo in this event at MAK Vienna, introduced by journalist and author Wolfgang Popp.
As part of the Charleston Literary Festival, Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria & Albert Museum and author of The Radical Potter: The Life and Times of Josiah Wedgwood, and Edmund de Waal explore their obsessions with ceramics and objects and how that has led to journeys into porcelain, abolitionism and the holocaust.
As part of the Charleston Literary Festival, Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria & Albert Museum and author of The Radical Potter: The Life and Times of Josiah Wedgwood, and Edmund de Waal explore their obsessions with ceramics and objects and how that has led to journeys into porcelain, abolitionism and the holocaust.
Photo: Ben McKee
As part of Jewish Book Week, Edmund de Waal will be in conversation Washington Post Paris Correspondent James Mcauley, chaired by Anne Sebba.
As part of Jewish Book Week, Edmund de Waal will be in conversation Washington Post Paris Correspondent James Mcauley, chaired by Anne Sebba.
Photography: Porte Cochère of the Musée Nissim de Camondo, 63, rue de Monceau, circa 2007. © MAD, Paris / Jean-Marie del Moral
On the Financial Times Weekend Festival Arts Stage, Edmund de Waal talks to FT Arts Editor, Jan Dalley about Letters to Camondo, and about placing his contemporary work in dialogue with another era.
Join James McAuley and Edmund de Waal as they discuss this powerful history of Jewish art collectors in France, and how an embrace of art and beauty was met with hatred and destruction.
Join James McAuley and Edmund de Waal as they discuss this powerful history of Jewish art collectors in France, and how an embrace of art and beauty was met with hatred and destruction.
Photo: Room of Nissim de Camondo. Paris, Musée Nissim de Camondo. © MAD, Paris / Jean-Marie del Moral
Edmund de Waal is in conversation with curator Richard Calvocoressi as part of the programme to accompany the exhibition The Human Touch at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. This pre-recorded talk explores the creativity of the artist’s hands and the marks and traces they leave. The talk is followed by a live Q&A session with the exhibition curators.
Edmund de Waal is in conversation with curator Richard Calvocoressi as part of the programme to accompany the exhibition The Human Touch at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. This pre-recorded talk explores the creativity of the artist’s hands and the marks and traces they leave. The talk is followed by a live Q&A session with the exhibition curators.
Photography: Ben McKee
In Refugee Week, Anne McElvoy and her guests, Edmund de Waal, Frances Stonor Saunders, Fariha Shaikh and Jasleen Kaur, look at what it means to have to move your family and belongings.
In Refugee Week, Anne McElvoy and her guests, Edmund de Waal, Frances Stonor Saunders, Fariha Shaikh and Jasleen Kaur, look at what it means to have to move your family and belongings.
Photography: Ben McKee
Hosted by the Jewish Museum, New York, a conversation between Edmund de Waal and writer Adam Gopnik to celebrate the launch of Letters to Camondo.
Hosted by the Jewish Museum, New York, a conversation between Edmund de Waal and writer Adam Gopnik to celebrate the launch of Letters to Camondo.
Photography: Portrait of Adam Gopnik by Brigitte Lacombe; portrait of Edmund de Waal by Tom Jamieson
For the London Library Lit Fest, Tom Stoppard and Edmund de Waal came together in conversation to discuss some of the themes and concerns they share in their work, including diaspora, displacement, art and libraries and the cultural particularity of pre-War Vienna.
Edmund de Waal discussed his most recent book, Letters to Camondo, at this online event with the How To Academy.
Edmund de Waal discussed his most recent book, Letters to Camondo, at this online event with the How To Academy.
Photography: Edward Park
In this live streamed event, Edmund de Waal discusses Letters to Camondo with Village Books, Dulwich.
In this live streamed event, Edmund de Waal discusses Letters to Camondo with Village Books, Dulwich.
Photography: Edward Park
An evening of art, science and deeply personal storytelling, with Edmund de Waal, Sam Lee, Horatio Clare, Suzanne O'Sullivan and Walter Isaacson.
An evening of art, science and deeply personal storytelling, with Edmund de Waal, Sam Lee, Horatio Clare, Suzanne O'Sullivan and Walter Isaacson.
Photography: Edward Park
Edmund de Waal joins Olivier Gabet for an online conversation, chaired by Tristram Hunt, in celebration of the publication of Letters to Camondo.
Edmund de Waal joins Olivier Gabet for an online conversation, chaired by Tristram Hunt, in celebration of the publication of Letters to Camondo.
Image: Victoria & Albert Museum
In this talk, hosted by Crafts, de Waal discuss the meaning of craft today, its relationship to contemporary art, and his new book, Letters to Camondo, out in April, with the curator and critic Glenn Adamson, Crafts’ editor-at-large.
In this talk, hosted by Crafts, de Waal discuss the meaning of craft today, its relationship to contemporary art, and his new book, Letters to Camondo, out in April, with the curator and critic Glenn Adamson, Crafts’ editor-at-large.
Photography: Rob McKeever
A musical celebration to mark the end of the installation of library of exile, before the books move to their permanent home in Mosul. Musician, composer and television presenter Soumik Datta presented an evening of performances inspired by the installation.
A musical celebration to mark the end of the installation of library of exile, before the books move to their permanent home in Mosul. Musician, composer and television presenter Soumik Datta presented an evening of performances inspired by the installation.
The event included readings from Edmund de Waal and other acclaimed guest writers who have participated in the programme of online discussions inspired by the library throughout 2020.
With the installation now closed to the public, the books within the library will travel to their final home in Iraq, at the University of Mosul, with the kind participation of Book Aid International.
This event was presented in collaboration with English PEN, Soumik Datta Arts and the United Nations Regional Information Centre.
The event was broadcast on the British Museum Events YouTube channel at 18.00 on Friday 29 January and included live captioning.
Photo: Hélène Binet
For this Goethe-Institut event, Edmund de Waal joins Rosie Goldsmith, A.L. Kennedy, Baroness Mary Goudie, Niloo Shafari, and Sharmaine Lovegrove to consider Europe and reflect what they are feeling during this time, especially in the midst of the Covid 19 crisis which makes us feel boundaries and distances more acutely again.
For this Goethe-Institut event, Edmund de Waal joins Rosie Goldsmith, A.L. Kennedy, Baroness Mary Goudie, Niloo Shafari, and Sharmaine Lovegrove to consider Europe and reflect what they are feeling during this time, especially in the midst of the Covid 19 crisis which makes us feel boundaries and distances more acutely again.
Photo: Ben McKee
The discussion is chaired by English PEN President, Philippe Sands QC, and features contemporary artist and writer Edmund de Waal; Chilean novelist Alia Trabucco Zerán, whose debut novel La Resta (The Remainder) was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize; and British Palestinian fiction-writer Selma Dabbagh, whose first novel, Out of It, set between London, Gaza and the Gulf, was listed as a Guardian Book of the Year in 2011 and 2012.
The discussion is chaired by English PEN President, Philippe Sands QC, and features contemporary artist and writer Edmund de Waal; Chilean novelist Alia Trabucco Zerán, whose debut novel La Resta (The Remainder) was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize; and British Palestinian fiction-writer Selma Dabbagh, whose first novel, Out of It, set between London, Gaza and the Gulf, was listed as a Guardian Book of the Year in 2011 and 2012.
This is one of four thought-provoking events exploring the themes inspired by the library of exile, presented in collaboration with Edmund de Waal and human rights organisation English PEN
Photo: Hélène Binet
Join Richard Ovenden, director of the world-famous Bodleian Libraries, as he discusses his new publication, Burning the Books, with Edmund de Waal.
Join Richard Ovenden, director of the world-famous Bodleian Libraries, as he discusses his new publication, Burning the Books, with Edmund de Waal.
Their conversation will explore the historic destruction of libraries and archives, many of the names of which are written into the walls of the library of exile.
As Ovenden explains, libraries are far more than stores of literature. Through preserving legal documents such as Magna Carta and records of citizenship, they also support the rule of law and the rights of citizens. Today, the knowledge they hold on behalf of society is under attack as never before.
This panel discussion explores the interconnected nature of climate change and migration and accompanies the current British Museum / Citi exhibition, Arctic: culture and climate and Edmund de Waal's library of exile installation.
This panel discussion explores the interconnected nature of climate change and migration and accompanies the current British Museum / Citi exhibition, Arctic: culture and climate and Edmund de Waal's library of exile installation.
Panellists include indigenous Arctic writer, spoken word poet and curator, Taqralik Partridge; Shaul Bassi, Director of the International Center for the Humanities and Social Change at Ca'Foscari University of Venice; and James Thornton, an environmental lawyer and writer. The New Statesman named Thornton as one of 10 people who could change the world.
Edmund de Waal joins Whitechapel Gallery director Iwona Blazwick to discuss the exhibition Kai Althoff goes with Bernard Leach, on view until 10 January 2021.
Edmund de Waal joins Whitechapel Gallery director Iwona Blazwick to discuss the exhibition Kai Althoff goes with Bernard Leach, on view until 10 January 2021.
Photography: Ben McKee
A timely and urgent discussion exploring how literature can represent the experience of migration and exile, as part of Edmund de Waal’s library of exile at the British Museum.
A timely and urgent discussion exploring how literature can represent the experience of migration and exile, as part of Edmund de Waal’s library of exile at the British Museum.
Chaired by de Waal, it features Booker-shortlisted novelist and human rights activist Elif Shafak, EBRD Prize-winning writer and journalist Hamid Ismailov, and world-renowned journalist, broadcaster and writer Kavita Puri.
This is one of four thought-provoking events exploring the themes inspired by the library of exile, presented in collaboration with de Waal, English PEN, and the British Museum.
The installation and its accompanying public programme has been made possible with the support of the AKO Foundation.
Click the below link to view a recording of the discussion.
Over the coming weeks, PEN Transmissions, in collaboration with the British Museum and Edmund de Waal, is publishing a series of essays on the theme of exile. This series speaks to de Waal’s library of exile, currently housed at the Museum. In this interview to introduce the series, de Waal speaks to Hannah Trevarthen (English PEN’s Events and Partnerships Manager) about the installation.
Over the coming weeks, PEN Transmissions, in collaboration with the British Museum and Edmund de Waal, is publishing a series of essays on the theme of exile. This series speaks to de Waal’s library of exile, currently housed at the Museum. In this interview to introduce the series, de Waal speaks to Hannah Trevarthen (English PEN’s Events and Partnerships Manager) about the installation.
Photography: Fulvio Orsenigo
In this episode of The Modern House Podcast, Matt Gibberd speaks to Edmund de Waal about his work, life and home, as well as his top three living spaces around the world.
Edmund de Waal will be in conversation with Aanchal Malhotra, whose book Remnants of Partition is included in the library of exile. Watch online at Jaipur Literary Festival's website, link below.
Edmund de Waal will be discussing the library of exile as part of Jewish Book Week in this special event.
Edmund de Waal will be discussing the library of exile as part of Jewish Book Week in this special event.
Photography: Ben McKee
Using the diary of Polish-Jewish teenager Renia Spiegel as inspiration, Edmund de Waal explored the ability of personal stories to tell difficult truths, joined by translators Marta Dziurosz and Anna Blasiak, and chaired by writer Lisa Appignanesi.
Writer Tracy Chevalier met Edmund de Waal at his studio for BBC Radio 4's Only Artists programme.
Delivered at the opening of Elective Affinities, this lecture explores de Waal's long relationship with the Frick and the meanings of collecting within his own life and artistic practice. Click below to play.
Delivered at the opening of Elective Affinities, this lecture explores de Waal's long relationship with the Frick and the meanings of collecting within his own life and artistic practice. Click below to play.
Photography: Christopher Burke
Part of the psalm cultural programme, a special series of events, curated together with the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. For more details, please see the psalm website.
Part of the psalm cultural programme, a special series of events, curated together with the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. For more details, please see the psalm website.
For this event, Edmund de Waal was joined by Lisa Appignanesi, Laura Forti, Helon Habila, Danielle McLaughlin, Sabine Scholl at the Ateneo Veneto, Venice.
Photo: Fulvio Orsenigo
In this illustrated lecture, de Waal explores the way he works and some of the connections between his family stories and most recent exhibitions and projects in Vienna, at the Venice Biennale, and at the Frick Collection, New York.
In this illustrated lecture, de Waal explores the way he works and some of the connections between his family stories and most recent exhibitions and projects in Vienna, at the Venice Biennale, and at the Frick Collection, New York.
Photo: Fulvio Oresnigo
This year's Kirker Lecture coincides with the unveiling of Edmund de Waal's major work for the Ghetto in Venice. Drawing on the themes of his psalm project - the poetry of exile, the co-existence of different communities and languages and the history of translation in Venice over the course of a thousand years, Edmund de Waal considers the rich heritage of the Ghetto as a place of exchange in many different senses. This event is in aid of Venice in Peril.
This year's Kirker Lecture coincides with the unveiling of Edmund de Waal's major work for the Ghetto in Venice. Drawing on the themes of his psalm project - the poetry of exile, the co-existence of different communities and languages and the history of translation in Venice over the course of a thousand years, Edmund de Waal considers the rich heritage of the Ghetto as a place of exchange in many different senses. This event is in aid of Venice in Peril.
Photo: Fulvio Orsenigo
This March, Edmund de Waal will be contributing to an evening held in honour of the alchemist and inventor, Johann Friedrich Böttger, on the 300th anniversary of his death. De Waal will be reading from his most recent book, The White Road (2015), and discussing Böttger’s legacy, along with that of his mentor, Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus.
This March, Edmund de Waal will be contributing to an evening held in honour of the alchemist and inventor, Johann Friedrich Böttger, on the 300th anniversary of his death. De Waal will be reading from his most recent book, The White Road (2015), and discussing Böttger’s legacy, along with that of his mentor, Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus.
De Waal will also be revealing his plans for a new installation commissioned for the Porzellansammlung’s extraordinary collection.
Admission is free. Please click below for more information and use the Anmelden button to register.
Photo: Page from Böttger's notebook showing his first porcelain tests, 15 January 1708. © Meissen Couture.
The annual Gomes Lecture at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, delivered this February by Edmund de Waal, was entitled In Touch: Objects, Families, Stories. Previous lecturers include Neil McGregor, Sandy Nairne, and Professor Alison Richard. Click the speaker icon below for an audio recording of the lecture.
The annual Gomes Lecture at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, delivered this February by Edmund de Waal, was entitled In Touch: Objects, Families, Stories. Previous lecturers include Neil McGregor, Sandy Nairne, and Professor Alison Richard. Click the speaker icon below for an audio recording of the lecture.
Photo: Ben McKee
To mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Washington Principles, the German Lost Art Foundation is convening an international conference of specialists: 20 Years Washington Principles: Roadmap for the Future, at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Washington Principles, the German Lost Art Foundation is convening an international conference of specialists: 20 Years Washington Principles: Roadmap for the Future, at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin.
As part of the programme, Edmund de Waal will be delivering a lecture entitled On the Eve of Departure: Objects, Families, Stories.
Photo: Ansgar Koreng / CC BY-SA 3.0 (DE), CC BY-SA 3.0 de, Terms of license
Edmund de Waal joins Ben Luke on The Art Newspaper's podcast to discuss the journey of his netsuke collection and the current state of nazi-loot restitution.
Edmund de Waal will be in conversation with author of the critically-acclaimed book East West Street, Phillipe Sands at the Well Walk Pottery in Hampstead, north London.
This year's chair of the Wellcome Book Prize judging panel, de Waal gave their annual lecture at the Hay Literary Festival, speaking about mortality and how it is reflected across different genres and art-forms. Titled Memory and Memorial: Writing About the End of Life, de Waal discussed the poetry of Anne Carson and Max Porter, the memoirs of Paul Kalanithi and Marion Coutts, and the writings of Atul Gawande and Julia Samuel. He also spoke about his own works and collaborations exploring themes and ideas of memorial.
Irish author Mark O’Connell been awarded the 2018 Wellcome Book Prize for his extraordinary debut To Be a Machine: Adventures among cyborgs, utopians, hackers and the futurists solving the modest problem of death. The prize judging panel of five people was this year chaired by Edmund de Waal, and includes neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow, journalists Bryony Gordon and Sumit Paul-Choudhury, and writer Sophie Ratcliffe. De Waal described the book as "a passionate, entertaining and cogent examination of those who would choose to live forever".
Irish author Mark O’Connell been awarded the 2018 Wellcome Book Prize for his extraordinary debut To Be a Machine: Adventures among cyborgs, utopians, hackers and the futurists solving the modest problem of death. The prize judging panel of five people was this year chaired by Edmund de Waal, and includes neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow, journalists Bryony Gordon and Sumit Paul-Choudhury, and writer Sophie Ratcliffe. De Waal described the book as "a passionate, entertaining and cogent examination of those who would choose to live forever".
Photo: Eamon McCabe
In honour of the late Martin Roth, de Waal was invited to give the inaugural lecture set up in his friend's memory. De Waal's talk, I walk the line: Art on the border, was delivered in January at the Albertinum in Dresden. Click below to listen to a recording of the lecture.
In honour of the late Martin Roth, de Waal was invited to give the inaugural lecture set up in his friend's memory. De Waal's talk, I walk the line: Art on the border, was delivered in January at the Albertinum in Dresden. Click below to listen to a recording of the lecture.
Photo: © Jorg Blobelt. CC BY-SA 4.0, License terms
Edmund de Waal, James Ivory and Hilary Mantel are among the first participants in Frick Diptychs, a new series of small books to be published by the museum that pair masterworks from the Frick Collection with critical and literary essays. De Waal's essay will be on the subject of a pair of porcelain and bronze candlesticks by the 18th-century French metalworker Pierre Gouthière.
In his first talk for the Leo Baeck Institute, entitled 'On the eve of departure: Art and Exile', Edmund de Waal will talk about the telling of family stories through words and sculpture, touching on his writing of The Hare with Amber Eyes and works by Paul Celan and Walter Benjamin.
In his first talk for the Leo Baeck Institute, entitled 'On the eve of departure: Art and Exile', Edmund de Waal will talk about the telling of family stories through words and sculpture, touching on his writing of The Hare with Amber Eyes and works by Paul Celan and Walter Benjamin.
Photo: Ben McKee
For this annual lecture for the Centre of Ceramic Art as part of York University and York Art Gallery, Edmund de Waal will explore a history of obsession with porcelain and will discuss his recent projects in Vienna, Stockholm and Los Angeles.
For this annual lecture for the Centre of Ceramic Art as part of York University and York Art Gallery, Edmund de Waal will explore a history of obsession with porcelain and will discuss his recent projects in Vienna, Stockholm and Los Angeles.
Photography: Kaly99 Licence details
Following on from a major collaboration in 2015, Edmund de Waal joins forces with Aurora Orchestra again, this time to explore the backdrop to Richard Strauss' work Metamorphosen. De Waal will take the audience on a tour around the ruins of German cities at the end of World War II before a live performance with guest conductor Andrew Marwood.
Following on from a major collaboration in 2015, Edmund de Waal joins forces with Aurora Orchestra again, this time to explore the backdrop to Richard Strauss' work Metamorphosen. De Waal will take the audience on a tour around the ruins of German cities at the end of World War II before a live performance with guest conductor Andrew Marwood.
Photography: By Ungry Young Man from Vienna, Austria Licence details
To celebrate the opening of Edmund de Waal's exhibition, During the Night, the Kunsthistorisches Museum will be opening their doors for an all night programme of tours, talks, live music and readings. Join de Waal at 2.00am in the galleries to hear some of the stories and secrets behind particular objects in the exhibition.
To celebrate the opening of Edmund de Waal's exhibition, During the Night, the Kunsthistorisches Museum will be opening their doors for an all night programme of tours, talks, live music and readings. Join de Waal at 2.00am in the galleries to hear some of the stories and secrets behind particular objects in the exhibition.
Photography: Photography © KHM-Museumsverband
Edmund de Waal has been invited to give the annual Pilkington Lecture for the Friends of Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. His talk, entitled Give it shadow enough: Art and memory, will explore the intersections between the visual arts, poetry and memory making and draw on his own practice as a maker and that of other 20th century artists. The talk will be followed by supper in the galleries.
Edmund de Waal has been invited to give the annual Pilkington Lecture for the Friends of Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. His talk, entitled Give it shadow enough: Art and memory, will explore the intersections between the visual arts, poetry and memory making and draw on his own practice as a maker and that of other 20th century artists. The talk will be followed by supper in the galleries.
Photography: Citysuitesimages Licence details
Edmund de Waal joins this year's Erasmus Prize winner, AS Byatt, to talk about her life and writing.
Edmund de Waal joins this year's Erasmus Prize winner, AS Byatt, to talk about her life and writing.
Photography: C messier Licence details
This November Edmund de Waal has been invited to give the keynote lecture for the Israel Museum's annual International Symposium on Collecting and Provenance. He will talk about the writing of The Hare with Amber Eyes, restitution and the history of lost collections.
This November Edmund de Waal has been invited to give the keynote lecture for the Israel Museum's annual International Symposium on Collecting and Provenance. He will talk about the writing of The Hare with Amber Eyes, restitution and the history of lost collections.
Photography: צילום:ד"ר אבישי טייכר, Licence details
Edmund de Waal will be talking at The Chatsworth Festival, Art Out Loud, a festival of talks by artists, curators and writers.
Edmund de Waal will be talking at The Chatsworth Festival, Art Out Loud, a festival of talks by artists, curators and writers.
Photography: Rob Bendall Licence details
‘I do not want art for a few’: Crafting Democracy
‘I do not want art for a few’: Crafting Democracy
At the heart of the arts and crafts movement is democracy, a crossing of boundaries between work and life. This talk will reflect on how craft is interdisciplinary and how William Morris continues to influence making, writing and talking about craft today.
Edmund de Waal will be delivering a lecture at the Literatur Haus, Graz, celebrating the launch of the German edition of The White Road.
Walter Benjamin, Memory and Berlin
Walter Benjamin, Memory and Berlin
Edmund de Waal will be in conversation with Dr. Martin Roth, director of the V&A, at the Akademie der Künste, Berlin.
Photography: Jensens Licence details
Edmund de Waal will be talking with Mark Fisher at the Ledbury Poetry Festival about his Desert Island Poems: the poems that have mattered to him throughout his life.
Edmund de Waal will be talking with Mark Fisher at the Ledbury Poetry Festival about his Desert Island Poems: the poems that have mattered to him throughout his life.
Photography: Ben McKee
For his lecture On Homelessness Edmund de Waal talked about place and displacement in poetry and the visual arts, from the German emigre poet Paul Celan to his own work as an artist and writer.
For his lecture On Homelessness Edmund de Waal talked about place and displacement in poetry and the visual arts, from the German emigre poet Paul Celan to his own work as an artist and writer.
Photography: Ben McKee
Edmund de Waal has been awarded the prestigious Windham Campbell prize for non-fiction for his memoir The Hare with Amber Eyes.
Edmund de Waal has been awarded the prestigious Windham Campbell prize for non-fiction for his memoir The Hare with Amber Eyes.
Photography: Ed Park
To mark the launch of white at the Royal Academy and the publication of The White Road, Edmund de Waal has collaborated with Aurora Orchestra to create a programme of events across London this Autumn, exploring the colour white through music, poetry and the visual arts.
To mark the launch of white at the Royal Academy and the publication of The White Road, Edmund de Waal has collaborated with Aurora Orchestra to create a programme of events across London this Autumn, exploring the colour white through music, poetry and the visual arts.
Photography: Mike Bruce
Edmund de Waal delivered the 2015 British Art Lecture at Tate Britain, London.
Edmund de Waal delivered the 2015 British Art Lecture at Tate Britain, London.
Photography: Anthony O'Neil, Licence details
Phaidon has now published a monograph about Edmund de Waal's work and practice. The book is the most comprehensive survey of his career to date and features texts by Emma Crichton-Miller, AS Byatt, Colm Toibin and Peter Carey. To celebrate its publication, de Waal gave a talk at the Victoria and Albert Museum about how and why he started making ceramics, the influences of other makers on his work, and future projects he is working towards.
Phaidon has now published a monograph about Edmund de Waal's work and practice. The book is the most comprehensive survey of his career to date and features texts by Emma Crichton-Miller, AS Byatt, Colm Toibin and Peter Carey. To celebrate its publication, de Waal gave a talk at the Victoria and Albert Museum about how and why he started making ceramics, the influences of other makers on his work, and future projects he is working towards.
Photography: Edward Park
Following a year of filming with Alan Yentob, the Imagine documentary on Edmund de Waal's studio life and practice was broadcast on BBC One on 5th November. The film covers a remarkable year; from moving studios, travelling across Europe to research his next book, to sitting at his wheel and making thousands of vessels for his first major exhibition in the USA with Gagosian, New York.
Following a year of filming with Alan Yentob, the Imagine documentary on Edmund de Waal's studio life and practice was broadcast on BBC One on 5th November. The film covers a remarkable year; from moving studios, travelling across Europe to research his next book, to sitting at his wheel and making thousands of vessels for his first major exhibition in the USA with Gagosian, New York.
Photography: Ben McKee
Edmund de Waal delivered a secular sermon on the art of tact, at Conway Hall as part of The School of Life's Sunday Sermons series.
Edmund de Waal delivered a secular sermon on the art of tact, at Conway Hall as part of The School of Life's Sunday Sermons series.
Photography: Ben McKee