Study Day: Spotlight on the Textile Fabrics of India Archive

In 1866 the Secretary of State for India presented a set of 18 volumes containing 700 textile samples from different parts of India to Huddersfield Mechanics’ Institute. The samples were intended to show English manufacturers state-of-the-art styles, colours and techniques at a moment when textile production in England was booming.

Today, these volumes can be found at Heritage Quay, the Archive Service of the University of Huddersfield, and tell stories of empire, trade and the power and politics of design. Join archive staff, Independent curator Uthra Rajgopal, and Avalon Fotheringham, Curator of South Asian Textiles at the V&A, for a full day of exploring this remarkable collection.

The morning will feature an introductory talk examining the collection in its context, and the afternoon a study session with a discussion-based exploration of the pieces.

This event will be in two parts, morning a hybrid talk, both online and at Huddersfield Art Gallery. Afternoon at Huddersfield Art Gallery in person only.

This is a free event, but donations are very welcome.