Owners transform historic dyeing house into a gallery of traditional arts and crafts with modern style
CAIRO: Around the corner from the busy streets of Al-Azhar is the tranquil courtyard garden outside Beit Al-Harawi and Beit Zeinab Khatoun; tucked between these two landmarks is Al-Khatoun Gallery. Housed in what was once a masbagha (dyeing house), which was abandoned in the 1970s, the gallery has infused both its premises and the traditional arts and crafts on display with a new lease on life.
Founded by four artists, the gallery exhibits their creative approach to arts and crafts, which, though inspired by tradition, have a fresh, modern interpretation. The end result is a combination of talents: Hani El-Bora i, owner of an iron workshop and creator of gorgeous standing candelabras; experienced gallery owner Ayman El-Azabawy; artist Mustapha Khalil, whose distinctive style appears on several items throughout the gallery; and Suzanne El-Masri a designer and the creative talent behind a unique range of silver jewelry. Together they purchased the house from its former owners and set about transforming it from the rubbish dump it had become to the inviting gallery it is today.
The founders did not receive any government support or outside funding for the restoration of their gallery. During the year it took to complete the project, they were careful to use techniques and materials that took into account the fabric and integrity of the original building. “It constitutes an example of how other buildings of historic architectural value in the area that are not protected by law can be preserved by private initiative, reads the gallery’s Web site.
The same commitment and passion they have showed in restoring the building is apparent in the work they have on display.
Today the gallery is a collection of different crafts, all vying for attention.
The wall hangings are very original. One has Arabic letters randomly embroidered on canvas, giving an impression of words that are frozen as if they were in the process of being formed. Another has verses of poetry embroidered onto a stained canvas in a simple elegance. A sheer curtain is printed with a black and white image of a belly dancer.
A pile of old movie posters reprinted on canvas lie on a table. Wooden trays are painted with “saha wa afiya (the local equivalent of “bon appetit ) in colorful, simple calligraphy. Old photographs hang on the wall. Colorful drawings of heroes and heroines of childhood tales – Antar wa Abla; Hassan wa Na eema – lie on the shelf in the corner.
Wherever you turn, there are more nooks and shelves to explore. So it’s best to take your time and browse through the rooms.
But unlike the other stores in the neighboring Khan El-Khalili bazaar, there s a relaxed atmosphere as the shopkeeper lets you browse at your leisure, only appearing when you have a question.
The revival of traditional arts and crafts isn’t new to Egyptian retail. However, Al-Khatoun gallery has arguably the most creative collection of original pieces. They’ve taken tradition and infused it with a unique sense of modern style.
Al-Khatoun Gallery3 Mohamed Abdu Street, behind Al-Azhar Mosque, CairoTelephone: (02) 514 7164. Open daily from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. during Ramadan (and until 9:00 p.m. during the rest of the year)www.alkhatoun.net
