Thirty-five thousand individual artworks currently reside within the eight private collections assembled by Nasser Khalili, an entrepreneur who migrated from Iran to the United States and eventually the United Kingdom. His acquisitions include the largest private assembly of Islamic art alongside Japanese artifacts that rival those held by the Japanese imperial family, all documented through extensive scholarly research.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1945 in Isfahan, Khalili spent his youth in Tehran, where he began accompanying his father on acquisition trips for Persian lacquers by the age of eight. After completing his national service as an army medic, he relocated to the United States in 1967. He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Queens College in 1974. He later moved to the United Kingdom to pursue advanced academic interests, ultimately completing a PhD in Islamic art at the School of Oriental and African Studies in 1988.
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Khalili entered the London art market during the late 1970s, establishing a Mayfair gallery while trading in Persian lacquerware. His capital base grew through diversified ventures, including commodities trading, property development in Glasgow and London, and investments in venture capital. Notably, he benefited from the sale of a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm in 1987 and technology related to tumor treatment. By the 1990s, his financial success facilitated the aggressive expansion of his private collections.
Philanthropy and Global Outreach
Through the Khalili Foundation, he focuses on fostering dialogue between Abrahamic religions and supporting Islamic art education. His funding enabled the establishment of a research center at the University of Oxford and a dedicated university chair at the School of Oriental and African Studies. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador appointed in 2012, he participates in international forums concerning intercultural peace. His public service has been recognized by multiple awards, including his 2020 Knighthood for services to interfaith relations and charity.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Isfahan, Iran
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: Queens College; SOAS, University of London
- UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador: Appointed 2012
- Knight Bachelor: 2020
- Freedom of the City of London: 2025
Questions readers ask
How did Khalili fund his art collecting?
He cites income from property development, commodities trading, venture capital, and art dealing.
What is the primary goal of the Khalili Foundation?
The foundation supports activities designed to promote mutual understanding and dialogue between Abrahamic religions.
Achievements
- Knight of St. Sylvester — 2004
- Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I
- Knight Commander of the Order of St. Sylvester
- Knight Bachelor — 2020
- Educated at Queens College and SOAS, University of London
- Worked as art collector, entrepreneur and businessperson
