The art world mourns the passing of Sheila Canby, a pioneering curator whose profound expertise and passion for Islamic art reshaped museum collections on both sides of the Atlantic. Her recent death marks the end of an era for Islamic art scholarship and museum curation.
A Life Dedicated to Islamic Art
Canby's remarkable career spanned prestigious institutions including the British Museum and New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she served as curator of Islamic art for fifteen transformative years. Under her leadership, the Met's Islamic art galleries underwent a stunning renovation, reopening in 2011 as 15 new galleries that completely redefined how Western audiences engage with Islamic artistic traditions.
London Roots and Global Impact
Born and educated in London, Canby maintained deep connections to the city's cultural scene throughout her life. Her early work at the British Museum laid the foundation for what would become a globally influential career. Colleagues remember her as having an "unfailing eye" for quality and significance in Islamic artefacts.
Revolutionising Museum Spaces
Canby's curatorial philosophy centred on creating immersive, educational experiences that contextualised Islamic art within its broader cultural and historical framework. Her innovative gallery designs at the Met removed barriers between visitors and artefacts, allowing the pieces to speak for themselves while providing just enough context to enhance understanding.
Scholarly Contributions and Publications
Beyond the gallery walls, Canby was a prolific author and researcher. Her publications on Islamic art, particularly her work on Persian painting and the art of the Seljuks, became essential reading for students and scholars alike. She had the rare ability to make complex artistic traditions accessible to both academic and public audiences.
A Lasting Legacy
Canby's influence extends far beyond the institutions she served. She mentored countless young curators and art historians, many of whom now hold positions in major museums worldwide. Her approach to displaying Islamic art—emphasising its beauty, complexity, and cultural significance—has become the standard for museums globally.
As museums continue to grapple with how best to represent diverse cultural traditions, Canby's work stands as a testament to what can be achieved through deep knowledge, respect for the material, and a commitment to public education. Her legacy lives on in the galleries she transformed and the generations of curators she inspired.
