Lead Image: Part 25 of a Qur'an in 30 parts, written in gold Muḥaqqaq script and dedicated to Sultan Ulyatu in 710/1310 in Mosul, modern-day Iraq © Br

About

Boxing and calligraphy connect in an exhibition featuring rare items from the Arabic and Urdu collections of the British Library.

The ancient art of calligraphy and the noble art of boxing are an unlikely pairing, but they share a surprising amount of common ground. This free exhibition explores connections between the two disciplines through the eyes of a group of British South Asian Muslim men living in Bradford today.

Razwan Ul-Haq is an acclaimed calligrapher and one-time boxing trainee. Tasif Khan is a world champion boxer and founder of Bradford’s Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy. Together with boxers and trainers from the Academy (including Nissar Hussain, Head Coach & Sohail Ahmed, Trustee), they’ve chosen a selection of rare items from the British Library’s Arabic and Urdu collections, and from the collections of Bradford District Museums & Galleries – from ninth-century calligraphy to extraordinary contemporary work.

Fighting to Be Heard also features the men’s personal stories and their reactions to the collections – offering fascinating new perspectives on these objects.

Credits: A British Library co-production with Bradford District Museums & Galleries. Part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture | Lead Image: Part 25 of a Qur'an in 30 parts, written in gold Muḥaqqaq script and dedicated to Sultan Ulyatu in 710/1310 in Mosul, modern-day Iraq © British Library

>> Explore more events in the UK City of Culture as part of the #Bradford2025 celebration.

Book Tickets

Book Tickets Online

Map & Directions

Fighting to Be Heard | British Library

Type:Exhibition

Cartwright Hall, Lister Park, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD9 4NS

Opening Times

Season (17 Jan 2025 - 27 Apr 2025)
DayTimes
MondayClosed
Tuesday - Friday10:00 - 16:00
Saturday - Sunday11:00 - 16:00

What's Nearby

  1. Built in 1904 in Baroque style as an art gallery. Permanent collection of 19th and 20th…

    0 miles away
  2. Lister Park was crowned Britain's Best Park in 2006 and is also home to Cartwright Hall…

    0.02 miles away
  3. Peel Park offers tennis, bowling, a skate park, a flower garden, and a lake, making it a…

    1.07 miles away
  4. Northcliffe Park is made up of Northcliffe Woods and Norman Rae Playing Fields. These…

    1.12 miles away
  1. Bradford's historic cemetery.

    1.46 miles away
  2. Sunbridgewells is an underground tunnel complex in the heart of Bradford

    1.49 miles away
  3. Impressions Gallery is a charity that helps people to understand the world through…

    1.5 miles away
  4. City Centre's hidden jewel set in attractive gardens. Visitors experience a warm…

    1.52 miles away
  5. City Park is a six-acre park in the heart of Bradford which contains the largest man-made…

    1.56 miles away
  6. Victorian cells, court and gallery telling the history policing, crime and punishment in…

    1.58 miles away
  7. Please note that the museum will temporarily be closed until 2025 to allow for some…

    1.6 miles away
  8. Bradford has a long and intriguing history dating from Saxon times. The city developed…

    1.62 miles away
  9. The Leeds - Liverpool Canal is one of the longest canals in England and passes through…

    1.7 miles away
  10. Funzy a unique inflatable theme park located at Leisure Exchange Bradford.

    1.7 miles away
  11. Take a costumed, guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Village Saltaire

    1.94 miles away
  12. The Peace Museum is unique in the UK covering peace history, non violence and conflict…

    1.96 miles away
Previous Next

Related

People looking into a pond outside a large manor houseCartwright Hall Art Gallery, BradfordBuilt in 1904 in Baroque style as an art gallery. Permanent collection of 19th and 20th century British art.

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss