Expressions of Faith
There's a wealth of sacred manuscripts in the British Library – many of them rare, ancient and beautiful. We invited a group of well-known people from different faiths and walks of life to choose their favourites.
Buddhism: Sue Arnold
Sue Arnold is a journalist and author, known for her sharp social observations. She has a Burmese mother and two grandparents. In her search for her Anglo-Burmese roots she gained a fascination and respect for her family’s Buddhist culture and beliefs.
Christianity: Pamela Tudor-Craig, Lady Wedgwood
Pamela Tudor-Craig is an art historian and committed Christian. Her schooling by nuns provided a familiarity with Christian thought that led her to a ready understanding and personal affection for medieval art, upon which she has written extensively
Hinduism: Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar introduced Indian music to the West during the 1960s, after many years of study under his illustrious Hindu guru, Baba Alluadin Khan. His music led a whole generation to an awareness and admiration of Eastern thought.
Islam: Saeed Jaffrey
Saeed Jaffrey is one of our most famous Indian actors. Educated in both Islamic and Christian schools, he studied history at the University of Allahabad before taking to the stage and film to charm audiences with his dapper style.
Jainism: Bharat Shah
Bharat Shah was born in Kenya to a strict Jain family. After coming to study in England, he set up his own pharmaceuticals business. Although now one of the country's wealthiest businessmen, he still embraces the modest Jain lifestyle.
Judaism: Lord Robert Winston
Lord Robert Winston is a leading fertility expert and a Labour peer. Best known to many as the writer and presenter of several major television science series, Lord Winston says his work is guided by his religious belief.
Sikhism: Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh
Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh are London-born artists whose paintings address contemporary subjects in a detailed, decorative style inspired by the tradition of Indian miniature painting.
