Creative Heritage through Textile Design

This exhibition is the final result of a workshop series exploring the techniques and history behind the vibrant cultural contributions brought over to London on 19th Century Cargo ships: 

• Pearly Kings & Queens
• Indian Batik
• Ghanaian Kente Cloth
• Chinese Silk Painting

Given the problematic history of the East India Company and its exports, 2023 is the perfect moment to re-examine some of the many stories brought about through the cargo routes, and to celebrate the artistic and cultural innovations that came to our area despite adversity and oppression. 

Tracing journeys of culture through local archives & stories, and using archival fabrics to do so, not only highlights the great contributions previously made to the diverse make-up of the borough, but shines a light on local artistry that we may take for granted now. 

This project has asked the communities of Newham to create original textile artwork inspired by the techniques and history of what we examine and explore.