Chintz: Cotton in Bloom

Exhibition Dates: 5 February – 6 June 2021



Tickets: £9.90 adults* | £8.80 concessions* | £7 students | Children under 12 are free.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS
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.

Exhibition Dates: 5 February – 6 June 2021
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am – 6pm
Thursdays until 8pm
Sundays, 11am – 5pm
Last admission 45 minutes before closing
Closed Mondays

Please note: The Museum does not have a permanent display, and instead offers one focused temporary exhibition every three months within a year which allows the Museum to display a rich variety of contemporary fashion and textile items. Suggested visit time 45 minutes to an hour. Some spaces may be closed on occasion for workshops, events and courses. Please contact the Museum before you visit for more information.

Tickets
Advance booking online is recommended but tickets may be purchased in person on the day of the visit, subject to availability.
£9.90 adults*
£8.80 concessions*
£7 students
Children under 12 are free.
*Includes 10% gift aid

Group Bookings
Please fill in the Group Bookings Form or contact the Museum with your requirements.

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