Talk by Rosemary Crill on the book Kalamkari Temple Hangings

Mapin Publishing, jointly with House of MG, hosted a fascinating evening with Rosemary Crill, senior curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Ms Crill, who oversaw the successful Fabric of India exhibit at the V&A, is the author of the book Fabric of India, and is a contributor to Kalamkari Temple Hangings, published last year by Mapin Publishing, in association with V&A Publishing. In India with a group of American textile experts, Ms Crill gave a short talk on the V&A’s textile collection to a packed house in the lovely hall at the heritage monument, House of MG.

Kalamkari Temple Hangings, nominated by the Textile Society of America’s for the R.L. Shep Award for best book on ethnic textiles, talks about the V&A’s collection of 19th century kalamkari temple hangings from south India. Ms Crill’s talk covered the historical background of India’s rich textile traditions, giving a detailed perspective on the complex and fascinating process of producing a kalamkari painting. From the types of cloth, dye and pigment, to the various styles and stories depicted in the temple hangings, Ms Crill’s richly illustrated talk had the audience spellbound. Combined with the priceless heritage interiors of House of MG and Ms Crill’s deep knowledge of India’s textile traditions, the audience were immersed in the richness of Indian culture and art.

It was delightful to see a wide spectrum of audience, ranging from young creative minds from the design institutes to art and heritage connoisseurs of the city, occupying the the hall, from edge to edge. The talk saw in attendance among many others prominent personalities like Designer Umang Hutheesing and Heritage Conservationist Debashish Nayak.

Photography Credits : Ankit Panchal