Thursday 3 September, 5-6 p.m. (BST): Online Talk: Chikankari, An Iconic Craft with Paola Manfredi

Online Talk via Zoom

Paola Manfredi is an independent researcher, designer, and author who has lived and worked in South Asia—including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan—for over forty years. Partnering with master craftsmen to produce exquisite hand-embroidered textiles, she specialises in Indian traditions such as Chikankari, Ari, and Kantha embroidery. By documenting their history and techniques, Manfredi provides contemporary artisans with the resources to preserve the excellence of their heritage while expanding their creative horizons. Her work includes contributing to revival projects, studying rare muslin techniques, and organising specialised training courses for embroiderers in Lucknow, India.

Portrait by Gourab Ganguli

Talk Description
Chikankari, An Iconic Craft
An iconic craft hailing from Lucknow, Chikankari is regarded as one of India's most exquisite traditional embroideries. In its classical expression, this delicate needlework features intricate botanical motifs rendered in white thread upon sheer muslin. While its ancient roots may lie in Bengal, an original and unique craft form flourished within the sophisticated cultural and fashionable atmosphere of the 19th-century Court of Awadh. Supported by a rich collection of images, this lecture retraces the history of Chikankari, exploring its origins, evolution, and cross-cultural influences through to the present day. It further examines the modern threats, challenges, and opportunities this ancient art form encounters within the contemporary Indian context.

Location
This is an online event. A PDF with the Zoom link will be sent to you upon booking.

Recording
This event will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed to all those who register following the live session. Please allow 7 working days for us to send you the recording.



Cancellation Policy

All places reserved for online events are non-refundable.