The Textile Manufactures of India was put together in 1866
by John Forbes Watson, Reporter on the Products of India, to show
British manufacturers the types of fabrics made in South Asia. Each page
contains a textile sample measuring about 35 x 20cm along with
information about where it was made, how it was worn or used, and the
price, size and weight of the original fabric from which the sample was
cut.
Although the title mentions India alone, the collection includes
fabrics from countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan and
Nepal. During the 1860s large areas of South Asia were part of the
British Empire.
The books contain 700 samples divided into 18 volumes, starting with
turbans and ‘garment pieces’ for men and women, which includes sari,
dhoti and lunghi fabrics. There are then volumes of muslin, calico and
‘piece goods’ – fabrics made in standard lengths for multi purposes. The
final volumes include silks, woollens and even some carpets.
20 sets of The Textile Manufactures of India were produced.
13 sets were given to textile manufacturing towns in Britain and 7 went
to trade centres in South Asia. They were normally given
to Chambers of Commerce, Town Halls or Art Schools. The textiles you can
see on the website are from the set given to Preston. Originally
housed in Preston Town Hall, they are now in the collection of the
Harris Museum & Art Gallery and are still in their original display
case. |
