Representations of Saint George in Ethiopian art and culture
7pm 23rd April 2021
A talk by Eyob Derrillo – Curator of Ethiopian collections, British Library
Chaired by Rev. Nigel Rawlinson, Bath Abbey
On this Saint George’s Day, we recognise how he is also the patron saint of Ethiopia, and look at the depiction of this important figure in historical Ethiopian art. This is a fascinating journey into the Ethiopian manuscripts in the British Library collection.
Speaker bio:
Eyob Derillo
Derillo is currently working at the British Library’s in the department of Asia and Africa Studies curator of Ethiopian collections. He recently curated the British Library’s exhibition “African Scribes: Manuscript Culture of Ethiopia”. The first exhibition to be held at the Library devoted entirely to Ethiopian manuscripts. He has also co-curated the British Library’s highly acclaimed exhibition Harry Potter: History of Magic. Derillo holds a Bachelor’s degree in History of Art and Archaeology from SOAS, University of London , a Masters of Arts in Film Studies from Birkbeck, University of London and is currently completing his doctorate at SOAS department of Religions and Philosophies. His doctoral research focuses on the nature and historical development of the concept of Ethiopian ‘magic’ and its use within a specifically Christian context. Recent publications include ‘Traveling Medicine: Medieval Ethiopian Amulet Scrolls and Practitioners Handbooks’ in Toward a Global Middle Ages, and an essay on Ethiopian Magic published for the British Library’s Harry Potter exhibition catalogue. Eyob has participated in several documentaries for BBC Radio, including the BBC World Service program on The Queen of Sheba, and he is currently working on a documentary (working title) Prince Alemayehu Tewodros.
Part of the Freedom in the City Festival of Learning
University of the West of England and Fairfield House, Bath
supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Hosted by Bath Abbey, in partnership with the UWE Critical Race and Culture Research Network
Critical Race and Culture 