Chintz: Cotton in Bloom

Exhibition Dates: 12 March – 15 August 2021



TICKETS COMING SOON
Chintz: Cotton in Bloom is a collection with an extraordinary story, spanning hundreds of years and thousands of miles.

The complicated technical craftsmanship required to fix bright dyes to cotton, devised across centuries and using complex chemical formulae, meant that for many years Chintz was a closely guarded secret, or preserve of the elite. However, by the 18th century chintz had become more widely accessible. The lightweight, washable, gaily coloured and boldly patterned cottons eventually became a sensation throughout England and across Europe. These developments resulted in the intricate, colourful flowers of chintz fabric being cherished and preserved by generations.

Chintz: Cotton in Bloom showcases some 150 examples of this treasured textile, originating from all around the world; from mittens to wall hangings and from extravagant 18th-century sun hats to stylish mourning dresses.

Chintz: Cotton in Bloom was originally curated by The Fries Museum, The Netherlands and features its renowned collection of Indian and European chintz textiles. www.friesmuseum.nl

Also on display in the Fashion Studio will be a selection of contemporary batik artworks by artist Annie Phillips. The display will also showcase Annie’s creative techniques in creating her intricate designs.

Please note that in place of a permanent collection, the Fashion and Textile Museum hosts a diverse programme of temporary exhibitions, displaying a broad range of innovative fashion and textiles from designers and makers around the world.

Image: Japanese dress (detail). Cotton, painted with chintz technique, India 1700-1725. Collection Fries Museum, The Netherlands. Photo © Photo Studio Noorderblik.