Venetia Porter, Curator of Islamic and Contemporary Middle East Art delves into the background behind Syrian-born, UK-based artist Issam Kourbaj’s evocative boat artwork. The boats are part of our current touring Spotlight Loan,Crossings: community and refuge.

Jill Cook, Keeper, Department of Britain, Europe & Prehistory, takes a closer look at an object in the collection which explores ideas of refuge and community. The Lampedusa cross is part of our current touring exhibition, Crossings: community and refuge.