Best Michael Backman Podcasts (2026)

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Paul Bromberg discusses his new book: 'Later Chinese Bronzes for the Scholar’s Studio' 25:08

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4M ago25:08

25:08

Paul Bromberg discusses with Michael Backman his new book Later Chinese Bronzes for the Scholar’s Studio. The book focuses on later bronze objects from the Song dynasty (960–1279) onwards, both utilitarian and for the scholar’s aesthetic pleasure, produced for the scholar’s studio. The book makes ample uses of examples from his own splendid collect…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 8 of 8) 32:24

9M ago32:24

32:24

This is the final of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the process of writing a book such as 'Malay Silver an…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 7 of 8) 25:35

9M ago25:35

25:35

This is the seventh of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at various objects made from silver and gold specifical…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 6 of 8) 15:20

9M ago15:20

15:20

This is the sixth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at how the Malays mastered gold filigree work to the poin…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 5 of 8) 13:10

10M ago13:10

13:10

This is the fifth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the jewellery, and the objects made from silver and go…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 4 of 8) 18:51

10M ago18:51

18:51

This is the fourth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the Malay sultans and their regalia. More broadly, th…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 3 of 8) 25:04

10M ago25:04

25:04

This is the third of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the techniques used by Malay silversmiths, and from wh…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 2 of 8) 24:15

10M ago24:15

24:15

This is the second of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This particular episode looks at how late 19th century and early 20th centu…

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The Story of the Malay People as told through their Silver & Gold (Episode 1 of 8) 29:37

11M ago29:37

29:37

This is the first of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made…

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On being an 'independent' art scholar & researcher: Michael Backman, Annemarie Jordan and Hugo Miguel Crespo in Conversation 30:00

1y ago30:00

30:00

What is it like to be an 'independent' scholar & researcher? Three published art historians who are tell. Annemarie Jordan and Hugo Miguel Crespo in conversation with Michael Backman on what it is like to being published researchers and art historians but doing it outside the structure of a university, museum or other institutional organisation. An…

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Michael Backman in conversation with Author Dr Sigrid van Roode about her new book on the jewellery of the Zar Cult of Egypt 27:01

1y ago27:01

27:01

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 century and still has many practitioners. The cult gave rise to the need for a specific form of jewellery - a practice that has only recently died out. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.…

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Michael Backman in conversation with Burmese art collector Graham Honeybill 27:23

1+ y ago27:23

27:23

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 life. Colonial Burmese silver has long been a passion. A book has just been published on his collection and he has lent several pieces to an exhibition on Burmese art at the British Museum. Surely the pi…

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31: Art Historian Dr Annemarie Jordan in Conversation with Michael Backman 32:02

2y ago32:02

32:02

Dr Annemarie Jordan is one of the world's most important, independent scholars on luxury goods imported to Europe from Asia during the Renaissance. The trade in such goods is fascinating and much of it was destined for Europe's royal families who delighted in exotica from faraway lands for whom possession of such items was a mark of their power and…

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30: Museum Curator & Author Fiona Kerlogue Discusses her Career & Indonesian Textiles 31:03

2+ y ago31:03

31:03

Fiona Kerlogue, one of the world's leading authorities on Indonesian Batik, former senior curator at London's Horniman Museum and author discusses with Michael Backman her career, being a curator, and her latest book on a little-known Batik collection in Prague, in the Czech Republic. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.…

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29: Michael Backman talks with Thweep Rittinaphakorn about his new book 'Unseen Burma'. 26:51

3y ago26:51

26:51

Thweep Rittinaphakorn's new book 'Unseen Burma' presents a rare and stunning photographic record of Burma during the period 1862-1962. In this podcast with Michael Backman, he discusses his motivations for writing the book and his research methods, and discusses Burma's recent history, as well as touching on its current problems. Visit Michael Back…

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28: Michael Backman: 'Are Antiques Sacred?' 27:59

3y ago27:59

27:59

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 are we attempting to tap into some version of immortality. Is this why we pay more for items with good patina? He looks at the role of collecting and collectors in the preservation of the world's materi…

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27: Jewellery Author & Collector Oytun Evliyazade Camcigil & Michael Backman in discussion 25:25

3+ y ago25:25

25:25

Istanbul-based Oytun Evliyazade Camcigil, the author of the magnificent volume 'Eastern Treasures: Ottoman, Oman, Yemen, Turkmen Jewellery' discusses with Michael Backman the process of writing her book, collecting Middle Eastern jewellery and Istanbul's collecting scene. 'Eastern Treasures: Ottoman, Oman, Yemen, Turkmen Jewellery' is available on …

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26: Michael Backman in discussion with the author Robyn Flemming: Alcohol, Art & other Addictions 39:32

3+ y ago39:32

39:32

Robyn Flemming discusses with Michael Backman her new book 'Skinful: A Memoir of Addiction' which details her battles with addictive behaviour including her problematic relationship with alcohol. Originally from Australia, Robyn also discusses her life as a modern-day international nomad, having no specific base in any particular country. 'Skinful:…

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25: Edmond Chin in conversation with Michael Backman: Straits Chinese Jewellery 30:07

3+ y ago30:07

30:07

Michael Backman discusses Straits Chinese jewellery - the jewellery of the acculturated Chinese of Malaysia & Singapore - with world-renown jewellery designer, author & researcher Edmond Chin. Edmond, originally from Singapore is the author of the ground-breaking 'Gilding the Phoenix: The Straits Chinese and their Jewellery'. Visit Michael Backman …

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22. Are Collectors Addicts? Michael Backman & Paul Bromberg Discuss why some People Collect 30:55

4+ y ago30:55

30:55

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 this episode, Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg, both collectors and both authors of books on art and antiques discuss why they think they do what they do. Many of the quandaries - choices in the face of …

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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. 11:25

4+ y ago11:25

11:25

Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett compare and contrast two objects: a Tuareg pectoral ornament from northern Africa; and a Minangkabau cast brass cash box from Sumatra. What are the links between these seemingly unrelated objects? Listen to find out the surprising answer. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.…

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21. Traditional African Currency as Art: Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in Conversation 19:57

4+ y ago19:57

19:57

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 big as a person. Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss how these currencies evolved, and their place in the canon of African art today. www.michaelbackmanltd.com…

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23. Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett Discuss two Seemingly Unrelated Objects - from Tibet & the Philippines 9:06

4+ y ago9:06

9:06

Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett compare and contrast two objects: an ancient limestone burial jar from the southern Philippines, and a set of Tibetan prayer beads. What are the links between these seemingly unrelated objects? Listen to find out the surprising answer. www.michaelbackmanltd.comBy Michael Backman

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20. How does one stay curious as one grows older? Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett consider the options. 21:39

4+ y ago21:39

21:39

How does one stay curious as one grows older? Perhaps collecting is the key? Maybe collectors are at an advantage? Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett consider these questions. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.By Michael Backman

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19. The Mysteries of Gold & Silver Filigree: Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in Conversation 26:53

4+ y ago26:53

26:53

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 mysteries of the art world. Where were they made? Who made them? How? Filigree, it turns out, is an art practiced by gold and silversmiths from Southeast Asia, to India, to Europe, Northern Africa and …

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18: Sarah Corbett & Michael Backman in Conversation about 'Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry' by Marjorie Ransom 13:11

5+ y ago13:11

13:11

Sarah Corbett discussses with Michael Backman her favourite book: 'Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry' by Marjorie Ransom. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.By Michael Backman

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17 Michael Backman in Conversation about his favourite EVER book on Asian art: 'Court Arts of Indonesia' 19:37

5+ y ago19:37

19:37

In this episode, Michael Backman is in conversation with Sarah Corbett, about the book 'Court Arts of Indonesia' by Helen Ibbitson Jessup. Published in 1990, it was one of the first books on Asia art Michael bought and it has remained his favourite ever since, despite now having a library of over thousand books on Asian art, culture & history. List…

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16 - Malay Silver & Gold - Michael Backman on Writing his Latest Book 28:03

5+ y ago28:03

28:03

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 has been spending this year researching and writing a new book on the silver and gold of the Malay world. In this podcast he talks with Sarah Corbett about the book and some of his initial findings. T…

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15: All you need to know about our Monthly Catalogues - Michael Backman Ltd 36:09

5+ y ago36:09

36:09

Our innovative monthly catalogues have become something of an institution among our followers and clients. The catalogues showcase our new items of material culture drawn from around the world, but all sourced from UK & European collections. The work that goes into each catalogue is enormous. Between 30 and 50 new items are features every month! An…

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13: Narisa Chakrabongse in conversation with Michael Backman (part 2) 25:55

6y ago25:55

25:55

Narisa Chakrabongse grew up in England, but is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn. Today she is the founder and CEO of the successful art publishing house River Books, which has been at the forefront of publishing books on Asian art, history & culture for 30 years. In this second part of two…

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12: Narisa Chakrabongse in Conversation with Michael Backman (part 1) 34:29

6y ago34:29

34:29

Narisa Chakrabongse is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn. She grew up in England, the daughter of a Thai prince and an English mother. At 15, while still living in England, she found herself orphaned, in the middle of her school exams, and now the sole inheritor of a royal mansion in Bangko…

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11: Michael Backman in conversation with Anupasana Suwanmongkol on Saving Thailand's Nielloware Industry 17:23

6y ago17:23

17:23

Nielloware is a traditional type of richly decorated silverware produced in southern Thailand. The craft is dying out but local businessman and art collector Anupasana Suwanmongkol is leading attempts to try to save the craft before it is too late. In this episode, Michael Backman discusses these efforts with Anupasana Suwanmongkol at his family's …

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10: Michael Backman in conversation with the author Dawn Rooney 33:07

6y ago33:07

33:07

Dawn Rooney is one of the world's most accomplished researchers and authors in the field of early Southeast Asian ceramics particularly those from Thailand & Cambodia, as well as on ancient Khmer culture and architecture. An American based in Bangkok, Michael Backman talks with Dawn Rooney at her home in Bangkok about her career as a researcher and…

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09: World Art Now promoting niche arts publications 9:36

6y ago9:36

9:36

Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss the way for self publishers and publishers of niche books to ensure that their work reaches their target market.By Michael Backman with Sarah Corbett

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07: Chinese export silver antiques, Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in conversation 18:33

6y ago18:33

18:33

Michael Backman in conversation with Sarah Corbett about the history of & market for Chinese export silver antiques.By Michael Backman with Sarah Corbett

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08: Fakes and forgeries, Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in conversation 28:43

6y ago28:43

28:43

Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett discuss the ever important task of identifying fakes and forgeries in the art & antiques world. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.By Michael Backman with Sarah Corbett

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06: On Collecting, actor and collector Julian Sands in conversation with Michael Backman 30:22

6y ago30:22

30:22

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 visit: https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/By Michael Backman with actor Julian Sands

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04: Michael Backman - On Becoming an Art Gallerist 20:38

6y ago20:38

20:38

An interview with Michael Backman of Michael Backman Ltd. Exploring Michael’s career and love of decorative arts. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.By Michael Backman with Sarah Corbett

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05: The art of betel nut, Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett in conversation 20:14

6y ago20:14

20:14

The use of betel nut around the world, and a look at the customs and accessories associated with its use around the world.By Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett

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03: Antique silverware of Thailand - author Paul Bromberg in conversation with Michael Backman 18:48

6y ago18:48

18:48

Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg discuss silver objects from the material culture of the Thai people. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.By Michael Backman with guest Paul Bromberg

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02: Kohl containers, author Jolanda Bos in conversation with Michael Backman 13:38

6y ago13:38

13:38

Michael Backman speaks to Jolanda Bos about her new book, Paint It Black, a biography of kohl containers.By Michael Backman with guest Jolanda Bos

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01: The Berber People, Sarah Corbett & Michael Backman in conversation 22:09

6y ago22:09

22:09

Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss items from the material culture of the Berber people. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.By Michael Backman with guest Sarah Corbett