Michael Backman: Art History & Material Culture
Episodes
Michael Backman in Conversation with Narisa Chakrabongse in Bangkok
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Narisa Chakrabongse is the product of an English mother and a Thai prince. She is the founder of the publishing house River Books, founder of the bout...
On Collecting - Michael Backman & Paul Bromberg in Conversation
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg are both collectors of Asian art. One is based in London, the other in Bangkok. In this episode they discuss the thr...
Paul Bromberg discusses his new book: 'Later Chinese Bronzes for the Scholar’s Studio'
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Bromberg discusses with Michael Backman his new book Later Chinese Bronzes for the Scholar’s Studio. The book focuses on later bronze objects f...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 8 of 8)
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the final of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & th...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 7 of 8)
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the seventh of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & ...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 6 of 8)
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the sixth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & th...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 5 of 8)
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the fifth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & th...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 4 of 8)
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the fourth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & t...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 3 of 8)
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & th...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 2 of 8)
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & t...
The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 1 of 8)
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & th...
On being an 'independent' art scholar & researcher: Michael Backman, Annemarie Jordan and Hugo Miguel Crespo in Conversation
16 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like to be an 'independent' scholar & researcher? Three published art historians who are tell.Annemarie Jordan and Hugo Migue...
Michael Backman in conversation with Author Dr Sigrid van Roode about her new book on the jewellery of the Zar Cult of Egypt
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Sigrid van Roode discusses her research into the Zar spirit possession cult of Egypt - a relatively new cult that emerged at the end of 19th centur...
Michael Backman in conversation with Burmese art collector Graham Honeybill
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Graham Honeybill has been a banker most of his adult life, rising to become CEO of a bank in the UAE. He has also been a collector for much of his lif...
31: Art Historian Dr Annemarie Jordan in Conversation with Michael Backman
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Annemarie Jordan is one of the world's most important, independent scholars on luxury goods imported to Europe from Asia during the Renaissa...
30: Museum Curator & Author Fiona Kerlogue Discusses her Career & Indonesian Textiles
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fiona Kerlogue, one of the world's leading authorities on Indonesian Batik, former senior curator at London's Horniman Museum and author dis...
29: Michael Backman talks with Thweep Rittinaphakorn about his new book 'Unseen Burma'.
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Thweep Rittinaphakorn's new book 'Unseen Burma'Â presents a rare and stunning photographic record of Burma during the period 1862-1962...
28: Michael Backman: 'Are Antiques Sacred?'
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Podcast, Michael Backman, writer and gallerist, asks why are we attracted to items that have antiquity? Do such items have a sacredness, or ar...
27: Jewellery Author & Collector Oytun Evliyazade Camcigil & Michael Backman in discussion
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Istanbul-based Oytun Evliyazade Camcigil, the author of the magnificent volume 'Eastern Treasures: Ottoman, Oman, Yemen, Turkmen Jewellery' ...
26: Michael Backman in discussion with the author Robyn Flemming: Alcohol, Art & other Addictions
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Robyn Flemming discusses with Michael Backman her new book 'Skinful: A Memoir of Addiction' which details her battles with addictive behavio...
25: Edmond Chin in conversation with Michael Backman: Straits Chinese Jewellery
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman discusses Straits Chinese jewellery - the jewellery of the acculturated Chinese of Malaysia & Singapore - with world-renown jewell...
22. Are Collectors Addicts? Michael Backman & Paul Bromberg Discuss why some People Collect
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are collectors addicts by another name? What makes (some) people collect? Is it gross materialism or an attempt to save the world's patrimony? In...
24. What does a Tuareg pendant from Africa have in common with a Minangkabau Cashbox from Sumatra? Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett compare & contrast these two seemingly unrelated objects.
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett compare and contrast two objects: a Tuareg pectoral ornament from northern Africa; and a Minangkabau cast brass ca...
21. Traditional African Currency as Art: Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in Conversation
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Traditional forms of currency used in Africa before the arrival of notes and coins took on extraordinary and large forms. Some were examples were as b...
23. Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett Discuss two Seemingly Unrelated Objects - from Tibet & the Philippines
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett compare and contrast two objects: an ancient limestone burial jar from the southern Philippines, and a set of Tibe...
20. How does one stay curious as one grows older? Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett consider the options.
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How does one stay curious as one grows older? Perhaps collecting is the key? Maybe collectors are at an advantage?Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett ...
19. The Mysteries of Gold & Silver Filigree: Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in Conversation
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Objects made of filigree are among the most extraordinary items ever to have been produced from gold and silver. Such items present one of the great m...
18: Sarah Corbett & Michael Backman in Conversation about 'Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry' by Marjorie Ransom
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Corbett discussses with Michael Backman her favourite book: 'Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry' by Marj...
17 Michael Backman in Conversation about his favourite EVER book on Asian art: 'Court Arts of Indonesia'
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michael Backman is in conversation with Sarah Corbett, about the book 'Court Arts of Indonesia' by Helen Ibbitson Jessup. P...
16 - Malay Silver & Gold - Michael Backman on Writing his Latest Book
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman is the author of 8 books and numerous articles and columns. Another book is on the way! When not involved with his London Gallery, he ...
15: All you need to know about our Monthly Catalogues - Michael Backman Ltd
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our innovative monthly catalogues have become something of an institution among our followers and clients. The catalogues showcase our new items of ma...
13: Narisa Chakrabongse in conversation with Michael Backman (part 2)
16 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Narisa Chakrabongse grew up in England, but is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn. Toda...
12: Narisa Chakrabongse in Conversation with Michael Backman (part 1)
16 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Narisa Chakrabongse is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn. She grew up in England, th...
11: Michael Backman in conversation with Anupasana Suwanmongkol on Saving Thailand's Nielloware Industry
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nielloware is a traditional type of richly decorated silverware produced in southern Thailand. The craft is dying out but local businessman and art co...
10: Michael Backman in conversation with the author Dawn Rooney
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dawn Rooney is one of the world's most accomplished researchers and authors in the field of early Southeast Asian ceramics particularly those fro...
09: World Art Now promoting niche arts publications
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss the way for self publishers and publishers of niche books to ensure that their work reaches their target mar...
08: Fakes and forgeries, Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in conversation
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett discuss the ever important task of identifying fakes and forgeries in the art & antiques world.Visit Michael B...
07: Chinese export silver antiques, Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in conversation
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman in conversation with Sarah Corbett about the history of & market for Chinese export silver antiques.Â
06: On Collecting, actor and collector Julian Sands in conversation with Michael Backman
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman chats to actor and collector Julian Sands, star of A Room With a View, The Killing Fields, The Painted Bird & much more.For more v...
04: Michael Backman - On Becoming an Art Gallerist
27 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with Michael Backman of Michael Backman Ltd. Exploring Michael’s career and love of decorative arts. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's...
05: The art of betel nut, Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in conversation
27 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The use of betel nut around the world, and a look at the customs and accessories associated with its use around the world.
03: Antique silverware of Thailand - author Paul Bromberg in conversation with Michael Backman
21 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg discuss silver objects from the material culture of the Thai people.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website...
02: Kohl containers, author Jolanda Bos in conversation with Michael Backman
29 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman speaks to Jolanda Bos about her new book, Paint It Black, a biography of kohl containers.
01: The Berber People, Sarah Corbett & Michael Backman in conversation
25 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss items from the material culture of the Berber people.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.