At the Rose House
Most of Beirut knows the iconic 19th Century mansion in Manara as The Rose House. Featuring arched balconies, that stretch the length of its façade, visible from the sea front, it is part of old Beirut’s architectural heritage. British artist Tom Young knocked on its door in April 2014, hoping he could paint there and create an exhibition, and he met resident Fayza El Khazin who allowed him studio space over the summer. With an interest in using his art to help preserve the future of Beirut’s heritage buildings along with their memories, when he discovered she would soon leave he contacted the new owners, the Jaroudi family, who supported his project to use the building as an exhibition space. Young’s exhibition features 40 paintings and a short film, which explore the context of the house within the city, its memories and hopes for its future preservation. The exhibition also offers a rare chance to look inside one of the beacons of old Beirut.