Turquoise Mountain’s work supporting the conservation of built and artistic heritage, and the craft skills necessary for its preservation – in Afghanistan, Myanmar and Jordan

Umm Qais, Jordan (Image © Harry Wardill)

Since 2006, Turquoise Mountain has restored over 150 historic buildings, trained over 15,000 artisans, and supported and generated over $17 million in sales of traditional crafts to international clients, including Kate Spade and London’s Connaught Hotel. Turquoise Mountain has also curated major international exhibitions at museums around the world, from the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.

Turquoise Mountain has now built over 50 small businesses in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Jordan, supporting a new generation of artisan entrepreneurs who will not only drive economic development, but also preserve their unique cultures and traditions. It was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction for its historic built restoration work in the Old City of Kabul, and currently has projects ranging from classical era stone masonry to contemporary earth architecture.

Harry Wardill, Turquoise Mountain’s Managing Director, will talk about their work across Afghanistan, Myanmar and Jordan, supporting the conservation of built and artistic heritage, and the craft skills necessary for its preservation.

Following Harry’s talk, he will be joined by Martin Stancliffe, YCCC Chair for a Q&A session.

About the Speaker

Harry Wardill

Harry  joined Turquoise Mountain in 2009, designing and project managing the delivery of a number of buildings for the Afghan Institute for Arts and Architecture in Kabul. Following this, he went on to complete a scholarship with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and then worked for the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, where he delivered projects including the multi award winning regeneration of Middleport Pottery in Stoke on Trent. He returned to Turquoise Mountain in 2014 as Country Director for Myanmar, setting up the project there. Returning from Myanmar at the end of 2019, he has now taken up the role of Managing Director of the organisation.

Harry studied engineering at Cambridge University, and worked originally as a structural engineer, becoming a Chartered member of the Institute of Structural Engineers during his time at Alan Baxter and Associates in London.

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