Through textiles, films and works on paper, this exhibition explores how one of the world's most ubiquitous materials has shaped the relationship between Britain and South Asia.

For thousands of years, cotton has been skilfully cultivated from seed to yarn and crafted into garments to support a growing expansion of trade and consumption. Today, cotton remains one of the most profitable crops in the world, yet the stories and histories that it holds are rarely told.

In this exhibition, visitors will be taken on an expedition across time, geographies, cultures and traditions, uncovering multi-generational connections between Britain and South Asia through the cotton industry in Lancashire. Featuring work by artists Raisa Kabir, Brigid McLeer, Bharti Parmar and Reetu Sattar commissioned by the British Textile Biennial 2021, it captures the impact of cotton production on labour, land and the body. 

Journey through punched khadi paper (a paper made from 100% cotton rag) – echoing Gandhi’s campaign to end British rule – to coded Bengali script and job titles of production-line workers captured in handwoven and jacquard textiles.

Cotton: labour, land and body is curated by Uthra Rajgopal.

Symposium: this series of talks to explore the themes of Cotton: labour, land and body

Artists, designers and curators will explore the colonial trade in cotton, spanning from the Caribbean to South Asia; the physical experience of weaving; and the role of the material in our future as the fashion industry strives to reduce its environmental impact. The event will be followed by a drinks reception for speakers and guests, and the talks will also be live-streamed online.

Speakers include: Christine Checinska, Michael McMillan, Bharti Parmar, Uthra Rajgopal, Rose Sinclair and more…

Full line-up to be announced soon.

Tickets

• Attend in person for £20 (£10 for Gold-tier Crafts members) or £12 for students.

• Watch online for £10 (Free for all Crafts members).