Talks about batik and textiles

We regularly present talks and demonstrations at venues across the country, and are usually invited by Quilters Guilds, Embroiderers, Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, museum groups, teachers and college students. All the talks last for about an hour and are suitable for any group interested in textiles.

“The beautiful textiles you brought to show us were totally different from anything I have seen before”.
Stroud Embroiderers

“It did prove to be a memorable evening for everyone present because of the way you talked about the people and textiles”.
Forest of Arden Quilters

“I’m sure you realised that everyone was thrilled to bits with your talk and slides. As you might imagine over 20 years of running groups and being President I have heard every speaker at least once! Yours was fresh, entertaining and very informative, I learnt a lot”.
Pat Nicholls, Weston Quilters

“An interesting and inspiring afternoon once again.”
Merseyside Weavers Spinners and Dyers

“Thank you for a really brilliant lecture—stimulating, interesting and humorous—also totally informative.”
Ann Rogers, Wirral

Batik - The people behind the cloth

The people of Java produce the finest batik in the world, and yet most of the makers are poor and their stories remain untold. The traditions of making this unique fabric by waxing and dyeing are centuries old and carefully passed on from mother to daughter. You will be amazed at the patience and expert skills which are needed to make these beautiful cloths and fascinated by the stories and the people behind them.

Turkish weaving - Colours of the Earth

The nomadic people of Central Asia have always been famous for their beautiful weavings, made from the materials around them. Recently, dyers have rediscovered this heritage of the nomads and are once again starting to use traditional natural dyes. We will bring lots of samples to look at and handle so that you can gain an insight into the many processes and age old skills that go into the making of Turkish rugs, kilims, and saddle bags, and appreciate the subtle beauty of the natural colours and traditional designs.

Textiles of the Golden Triangle

The “Golden Triangle” where three countries - Thailand, Laos and Burma, meet is so called because of the fortunes made from opium. But there is still great wealth to be found in the wonderful textiles of the hilltribes who live in this remote and mountainous area. Traditional clothes are a riot of colour with stunning embroidery, embellishment and weaving techniques. You will be full of admiration for this wonderful work done by hard-working women in remote and difficult surroundings.

The Future of handmade textiles

Making beautiful hand made textiles is extremely labour intensive, so do we take them for granted? And how long can these traditions continue? What are the prospects for the makers, and the traditional way of life represented by such wonderful textiles? We’ll look at the past and possible future solutions in this thought provoking talk illustrated with some of our very best textiles from around the world.

Indigo - Blue dye from ancient times

Making a blue dye from the leaves of the indigo plant was discovered in ancient times and is still used in countries all over the world today. It is a fascinating story bound up with colonial histories and ancient trade routes. From the Far East to Europe resist techniques such as shibori, adire, and bandhani, were developed alongside - find out what they mean and take a look at lots of beautiful blue textiles!

Silk from the Ancient Kingdoms

Thailand, Cambodia and Laos have long been famous for their silk, and to this day, silkworms are raised and the silk spun and woven in the traditional way by village women on the looms below their homes. In the past 50 years a complete revival of this dying art has occurred and silk production is now thriving. A look at how and why, and lots of beautiful silk - old and new from these ancient Kingdoms.

We are taking bookings now for these talks.