Turkish inspired merchandise, food and late night openings
To complement its landmark exhibition, Turks: A Journey of a Thousand Years, the Royal Academy of Arts is embracing all things Turkish. Visitors will be able to discover an exclusive range of Turkish merchandise in the RA shop, sample traditional Turkish food in the Restaurant and enjoy Turkish themed late night openings on Fridays.
The RA shop’s new collection, influenced by the rich design traditions of the Ottoman Empire, will include an array of products in sumptuous fabrics and vibrant colours. Handcrafted Iznik quartz tiles; hand-painted bowls, plates and painted ceramic eggs; Ottoman throws, table runners and cushions have all been specially selected. There will also be a range of bespoke silk scarves, matching silver jewellery and CDs of traditional Turkish music.
For the duration of Turks, the RA will open until 10pm every Friday and Saturday, with live music and a bar in the Restaurant. Friday nights will play host to two alternating contemporary Turkish music acts, Ian East and Balkanatics, and Numan Elyer and performers. Ian East and Balkanatics are a Balkan-inspired trio with a Turkish repertoire. This trio combine dynamic percussion with the unique sound of the accordion, sax or zurna (Turkish oboe). While Turkish percussionist, Numan Elyer will entertain visitors with the rhythmic sounds of the darbuka (hourglass shaped drum).
During the daytime the Restaurant will be serving classic examples from Turkey’s diverse culinary heritage alongside their existing menu. Visitors will be able to sample dishes such as ‘imam bayildi’ (aubergines with onion and tomato) or ‘portakali pilic’ (chicken in spicy orange sauce). In the Bar on Friday and Saturday evenings traditional ‘meze’, which literally translates as ‘a pleasant taste’, will be on sale. The meze on offer will include ‘zeytin salatasi’ (finely sliced black and green olives in lemon juice and fresh mint) and ‘kizarmis peynir’ (cubes of white cheese in olive oil and dried oregano).
Notes to Editors
For the duration of Turks, the exhibition, the shop, restaurant and café will open late on Friday and Saturday (excl 12 March).
Opening Hours. Restaurant: Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 5.30pm. Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm, with table-service dinner and bar from 6.15pm to 10pm. Last food orders 8.30pm, drinks 9.30pm. Booking recommended on 020 7300 5608. Gallery Café: Daily from 10am to 5.30pm and until 7.30pm on Fridays and 6.30pm on Saturdays. RA Shop: Daily from 10am to 5.45pm. Until 9.45pm on Friday and Saturday.
For further press information, please contact Susie Pickering or Catherine Mason on tel: 020 7300 5614/8041, fax: 020 7300 5886, or email press.office@royalacademy.org.uk
For public information, please phone 020 7300 8000
18/01/05
