For the protection, preservation and promotion of Bangladeshi heritage fabrics
‘Bringing Jamdani to England’ project showcase at the Museum of London Docklands (10/10/21 at 1pm)
Write a short personal story about Jamdani
We are looking for 12 participants to write a short chapter about Jamdani. Jamdani is a flowered motif woven into fine cotton (muslin). This weave is typically seen on traditional saris from Bengal and Bangladesh.
What we are looking for:
Around 500 words of writing: on how Jamdani is worn in the family, community settings and its cultural significance today
You to undertake some online research about the history of Jamdani and muslin in preparation for your chapter
A short interview with you about Jamdani and Bangladeshi textile heritage
A few family photographs of people wearing Jamdani or of actual Jamdani garments
This should be seen as a short personalised project. We can offer £50 to you to cover any expenses. If you would like to be involved or have any questions please call 07915 234 404 or email muslintrust.info@gmail.com and we will give you further advice and instructions.
We are giving priority to those living inside the London Borough of Merton although can accept participants from across the UK. Your chapter will be included in an online exhibition as part of ‘Bringing Jamdani to England’, a project by Muslin Trust and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Deadline for expressions of interest: MONDAY 30TH AUGUST 2021
Stories behind the saris
BRINGING JAMDANI TO ENGLAND
A Muslin Trust project
Heritage fabric from Bangladesh
Jamdani has a world-wide reputation as a high quality fabric linked to South Asia and has been woven for more than a millenium. Weavers in what is now Bangladesh supplied the growing demands for fine cotton fabrics to many important regions of the world beyond the subcontinent, especially Britain, until the mid nineteenth century.
Background to the project
Jamdani fabric has been recognised in the UNESCO 2013 Representative list as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: a symbol of identity, dignity and self recognition that provides wearers with a sense of cultural identity and social cohesion.
Oral history training
This project is looking to recruit ten heritage trainees to embark on a year-long project to interview older Bangladeshi women in the Merton area of London who came to England in the 1950s to 1980s. The volunteer trainees will find out about the women’s relationship with their Jamdani saris, record the memories associated with this heritage fabric, their journeys here and how textile heritage plays a role in their lives today.
Project outcomes
The heritage trainees will work together to create a film of oral histories, build content for a printed and digital photobook and help produce a public exhibition of their findings. They will learn skills in film, interviewing, photography, documentation and heritage preservation. Training will be provided.
Become a heritage trainee
The roles are volunteer based and we are looking for dedicated individuals. If you feel you are the right person, please register your interest by emailing Anwara Ali, Project Coordinator at muslintrust.info@gmail.com
Deadline for expressions of interests: 15th December 2019
Project Launch Day
A special open day to launch the project, for prospective trainees to ask questions and to meet the team will take place at the date and time given below.
Date & Time: Sunday 24th November 2019, 11am – 3pm
Venue: Merton Art Space, Compton Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 7QA
How to get there: two minutes walk from Wimbledon Station
This event will include music, talks and refreshments.
Muslin Trust 