British Library exhibition ‘Britanahay’ celebrates centuries of Armenian-British ties
Located in the Library’s Treasures Gallery, the exhibition celebrates the centuries-old relationship between Armenians and Britons — from the shared histories that unfolded across the British Empire, to the vibrant Armenian community in the UK, and the many Britons who have shown a deep appreciation for Armenian culture and heritage, the Armenian Embassy in the UK said in a press release.
The exhibition presents a range of items, from the first Armenian book printed in London in 1736 — Movses Khorenatsi’s History of the Armenians — to a beautiful 15th-century French manuscript possibly depicting the first meeting between English and Armenian heads of state, when King Levon V of Cilicia visited London to meet King Richard II. Also featured is a publication showcasing the work of the 20th-century British-Armenian photographer Ida Kar.
The exhibition has been curated by Dr Michael Erdman, Curator and Head of the Middle East and Central Asia Collections at the British Library, with guidance from the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia. Visitors will also enjoy an interactive experience, with QR codes linking to extracts from oral history interviews.
In his remarks, Ambassador Varuzhan Nersesyan commended Dr.Erdman and the British Library for bringing to life the deep and historic ties between the Armenian and British peoples, and expressed his appreciation for the collaboration that made the exhibition possible. He underlined that Britanahay stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations and the significant contributions of the Armenian community to British cultural life. The Ambassador also noted that cultural diplomacy constitutes a key pillar of the recently established Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United Kingdom, serving as a bridge for greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
The opening event featured a performance by a string quartet led and participated by Maestro Levon Chillingirian, followed by a reception attended by representatives of the cultural and academic community, diplomats, and members of the Armenian community. Britanahay will be on display until 22 February 2026.
