Silk Road: A Living History

In 2019, Wilton-Steer left London for the trip of a lifetime. Armed with his camera, he followed the historic trade route from one end of Eurasia to the other, traversing 16 countries between England and China. As he zigzagged over 40,000 kilometers, crossing borders via car, bus, train, ferry, horse, and camel, his lens captured the essence of the Silk Road, from the Renaissance masterpieces of Venice to the bustling bazaars of Iran and the serene landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.

The resulting collection of 160 photographs offers an intimate glimpse into the richness of cultures and the enduring legacy of connectivity that define the legendary trade network. Featuring thoughtful essays by the photographer and a preface by Oxford historian and bestselling author Peter Frankopan, The Silk Road: A Living History tells the story of one journey across Eurasia. It is a celebration of diversity, the traditional practices and customs that live on today, and the flourishing connections that endure along this historical, human network.