Andhra textile printing exhibition in UK

Much interest has been aroused in a new exhibition depicting India`s art.

London: Much interest has been aroused in a new exhibition depicting India`s `Kalamkari` style of textile printing scheduled to open in the ancient textile town of Stroud in Gloucestershire later this month.

Kalamkari artistes from Andhra Pradesh will be present during the exhibition titled `The Art of Kalamkari` from 28 August when people will be able to try their hand at block printing. The exhibition will be accompanied by stalls offering south Indian food. Stroud was once world famous for its own textile industry. The exhibition is said to be the first in Britain showcasing the art of Kalamkari, which is mainly practised in Andhra Pradesh. Held as part of Stroudwater Textile Trust 10th anniversary celebrations, the exhibition has been make possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, the Summerfield Trust, the Ernest Cook Trust, and to the enthusiastic support of many local volunteers. The seeds for the project were sown several years ago, when a group of Stroudwater Textile Trust members met a family of Kalamkari artists in Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. Camilla Hale, exhibition project manager, said: "We had the warmest of welcomes and were overwhelmed by the riot of colour and impressed by how much work was needed to produce the simplest of images. "We just had to invite them over to Stroud to share their textile techniques with local schools, families, artists and community groups." Ann Taylor, Learning Programmes Officer at The Museum in the Park, said: "We are delighted to be hosting this exhibition. This is a fabulous opportunity for people of all ages to explore another culture - its art, stories, language, food and music - a feast for all the five senses". "The schools workshops will explore how cloth-making techniques traditionally used in the Stroud district are relevant today and how different cultures and countries influence each other over time," she said. PTI