If you’ve been following the blog this week, you’ll know this is the third in our series sharing our ‘Favourite Things in The Fabric of India.’ If not, check out yesterday’s and Tuesday’s blog to meet more team members and their selections. Today we meet:
Rosie Wanek, Senior Exhibitions Manager
Favourite object: Indigo-dyed muslin
“It is so difficult to choose just one thing, some pieces are magnificent in their appearance and complexity of detailing, but I love this piece because it is so plain. If it were mine I’d make a dress out of it. India is so famous for its decorative textiles, but I really love the simple pieces where the irregularity characteristic of handmade things is visible. I like this piece particularly because it is fine, elegant and the colour is so subtle – indigo but almost grey. I was really happy when it was selected over all the bright things to appear on the private view invitations [pictured in hand].”
Olivia Oldroyd, Exhibitions Manager
Favourite Object: Bengali muslin
“When I first joined the FOI team I knew absolutely nothing about Indian textiles. In the early stages I spent many days at Blythe being shown these beautiful objects and learning all about raw materials and processes. This fine muslin was one of the first I remember being shown. It is simple with a little bit of sparkle and a very pleasing label.”
Lara Flecker, Senior Costume Mounting Specialist
Favourite object: Captain Foote’s jama
“It’s an old friend. I mounted it for Encounters as well, and it’s just a wonderfully tubby size. Plus it’s got a matching portrait showing the owner wearing it, which is very rare.”
Albertina Cogram, Senior Textiles Conservator
Favourite object: Shrine flag
“When I first saw the flag I thought it was African. I love the simplicity of the design and the vibrant colours”
Tom Salt, Technician
Favourite object(s): Wool coat, yak-hair shawl, and silk shawl
“I like that the owners still use all these objects.”
Joanne Hackett, Head of Textiles & Fashion Conservation
Favourite object: Prince Eugene’s Chintz Bed
“As the bed was designed to fit in a corner, there is nothing on the sides of the bed that the visitors can’t see; no curtain, no valences, no coverlet.”
Zoe Lanceley – Textile Conservator
Favourite object: Khes length
“I am obsessed with woven fabric. I studied weaving at uni, and this is a feat of patience and skill. I could stare at it for hours.”