AN exhibition of decorative Indian textiles is coming to the North-East.

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Mirror, Bead and Thread display is said to contain "stunning examples" of textiles, from the Gujarat region, featuring mirrorwork, applique, embroidery and beadwork.

It will go on show at Durham University's Oriental Museum, for ten weeks early in the New Year.

Such is the scale of the exhibition, it is expected many of the textiles will fill the gallery walls of the Elvet Hill museum.

The hangings feature furnishings used in Gujarati homes and palaces, while the display will also include clothing, animal harnesses and religious artefacts drawn from a collection belonging to Kanchan Malde, the daughter of an accomplished embroiderer from Gujarat.

She said some of the skills were now becoming sparse even in the Gujarat.

"This hand-work is in decline because of the pressures of modern-life in India. I have collected for over 30 years as the tradition is vanishing."

A series of workshops will accompany the exhibition, which opens on Saturday January 10, running until March 24.

For more details about the exhibition, contact 0191-374 7911.

Published: 22/12/2003