Viewing Epic Iran, V&A London

Epic Iran is the first UK exhibition in almost a century to explore 5,000 years of Iranian art, design and culture. Featuring ten immersive sections, it brings together over 300 objects ranging from sculpture, ceramics and carpets to textiles, photography and film that celebrate the country’s vibrant culture, history, architectural splendours, myths and poetry.

This landmark survey opens with striking images of Iran’s dramatic and varied landscapes and concludes with works by modern and contemporary artists, including Sirak Melkonian, Monir Farmanfarmaian and Shirin Neshat. In between, you’ll meander through time, empires, faiths, royal rulers and more.

What strikes is the variety and quality of works on display. You’ll encounter everything from a gold model of a chariot from the Persian empire to Parthian and Sasanian sculpture, gold and silverware. The Shahnameh or Book of Kings, arguably the world’s greatest epic poem written at the start of the 11th century by the poet Ferdowsi, is without a doubt among the star exhibits. Elsewhere, spectacular religious pieces — including illuminated manuscripts, prayer rugs and Qur’ans — that chart the place of Islam in Iranian culture are shown alongside architectural drawings from the 19th century, exquisite textiles and watercolours that show Iran’s modernisation.

There is a lot to gallop through here but persevere and you’ll leave feeling enriched and enlivened — and no doubt wanting more.