Ends Sunday: Katab Quilting Stories from India at the Craft Centre

Katab is a new exhibition, starting in September at Manchester Craft and Design Centre, that showcases a traditional Indian craft. It tells the story of ten women from the country through a collection of their handmade quilts. In the poorer regions, women of the ‘untouchable’ caste often make Katab (applique) to make ends meet. Orders come via an agent, who takes a large percentage of the profits and allows the makers very little creative input. Led by two textiles researchers, this exhibition aims to honour the artistry of the Katab makers, through commissions that allow them full control over their designs. They have worked with a small group of Indian women to establish model where they can bring their own designs to the market, without the need for the agents. For many involved, this exhibition is the first time they have been allowed to put their own name on the pieces they have made.

Thu 14 Sep – Sun 12 Nov, Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 5JD, Tel: 0161 832 4274, www.craftanddesign.com