Sharjah:H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, has inaugurated the Library Corner by LCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts, at the House of Wisdom. This initiative, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, features a collection of over 230 titles on the history of jewellery, gemstones, and jewellery-making techniques.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening event saw the attendance of notable figures including Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq; Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of IIS; Alessandro Mafi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels MEIAT; and Sophie Claudel, Director of LCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts MEIAT. The Library Corner marks the first-of-its-kind initiative in a three-year partnership between the House of Wisdom and L'COLE, offering access to specialist resources and educational activities related to jewellery.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, emphasized Sharjah's vision for the House of Wisdom as a destination for diverse knowledge experiences. She highlighted that partnerships with specialist institutions, like LCOLE, are essential for developing the content and experiences offered at HoW, thus broadening the fields of knowledge available to visitors.
Alessandro Mafi expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting that it underscores a shared commitment to enriching educational experiences and nurturing a flourishing cultural landscape in the region. Sophie Claudel added that the initiative helps spread jewellery culture in Sharjah and that LCOLE is committed to publishing books on various aspects of jewellery, from history to gemology.
The Library Corner not only provides a curated collection of books but also offers activities such as workshops on High Jewellery design and goldwork techniques, as well as jewellery book readings and design workshops for children. Mineral specimens and natural materials are displayed, and a digital device offers access to online talks, readings, and podcasts from LCOLE.