In this episode of the ਸੋਚ podcast I get to talk to Davinder Singh Toor, who he has put together one of the finest collections of Sikh art, arms, armour and rare artefacts from all over the world.
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In this episode we cover all of the following (with a rough time stamp):
00:00 - Intro and getting to know more about Davinder Singh Toor’s family history, upbringing and the lessons he learnt from his parents.
07:29 - Why it's important to be frank about history and Davinder’s initial interest in history and art
09:08 - Did you pursue art or history at university or something else?
10:23 - Growing up in the 90s, and a series of key events - including volunteering at the 1999, V&A Arts of the Sikh Kingdom Exhibition and becoming addicted to golf
18:52 - What goes into locating, verifying and acquiring art and artefacts?
20:30 - Advice to those who have just started collecting?
25:32 - How do you make sure the item is authentic?
29:27 - Are there special storage conditions required for some items?
30:32 - Are there any items you’ve had to restore?
33:28 - Where are most Sikh artefacts located and how did they get there?
38:18 - If items from Ranjit Singh’s treasury came up for auction today, how would they be verified?
40:50 - Are there any items related to the Gurus in Ranjit’s treasury and what happened to them?
43:38 - Have you come across any contemporary portraits of the Sikh Gurus?
48:19 - Art in the Sikh misl period
54:27 - What is Sikh Art?
1:05:40 - Have you come across any art or artefacts that have changed the popular historical narrative?
1:14:47 - Have you come across art of or manuscripts relating to Sri Dasam Granth?
1:18:20 - What are your opinions on Sikh artefacts belonging to private collectors rather than institutions or Gurdwaras?
