About The Artist: Wendy Dolan
[06 Feb – 19 Feb 2024]
Wendy Dolan is a fellow of The Society of Designer Craftsmen, The Sussex Guild of Designers and Makers, The Embroiderers' Guild and the crafts Council Maker's Index.
Qualified with a B.Ed. degree and a diploma in Creative Embroidery. She exhibits and sells her work at exhibitions and shows nationwide. Specialising in freehand machine embroidery and related creative stitching techniques, she offer a range of courses, lectures and workshops. Living close to the South Downs, the landscape provides a constant source of inspiration for her stitched textile designs.
'My current theme, 'A Sense of Place' records memorable journeys and locations, using fabric, stitch and texture. Architectural structures, textures, and patterns also provide a wealth of ideas which I enjoy exploring. I record my ideas with sketch, torn paper collage and my camera is always on hand.'
At a Glance:
The traditions of Indian textile crafts are some of the oldest and diverse in the world. They represent a unique and continuous ethos and aesthetic sensibility right through thousands of years – that has seen a remarkable ability to assimilate, remake, re-shape the incoming styles, ideas, artists and techniques and yet retain the core essence. Indian textiles are a riot of color, textures and motifs, materials and mediums that changes with each region, village and community having its own distinct style and history. The history, weather, geography and economic condition also have a great effect on the types of textile art technique. Normally the techniques and skills are passed down families, fathers to sons, mothers to daughters or within communities or schools. Traditionally there have always been guilds – in the past, one’s caste decided the crafts and arts one could practice. With a rich cultural history, traces of heritage everywhere and traditions that have lasted centuries, Gujarat is one of the most interesting states to visit in India. The state produces a wide range of textiles that are intricately linked to its past; and generations upon generations of acculturation has meant that this legacy still thrives in this western Indian state. Needless to say, a textile trail through this land is sure to leave you awestruck. Gujarat has a rich legacy of weaving and handicrafts, encompassing disciplines like—embroidery, tie-dye, block printing, beadwork, metalworking, woodcarving, lacquer work, pottery, marquetry, quilting, stone carving, etc. Gujarat is well known for the various embroidery works that come in vibrant colours. Each style is a distinct combination of stitches, patterns and colours, and the patterns in which they are used are drawn from cultural and historical aspects. Ari and soof from Banaskantha, Kathipa, Mahajan, and Kanbi, and Rabadi from Saurashtra and Ahir, Mutwa and Neran from the Kutch region are among the most popular ones. The embroidery work comes mostly in the form of dupattas, ghaghra cholis, curtain clothes, pillow covers, table clothes, etc.
Textile Treasure of Gujarat with Wendy Dolan
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Day 1: DEPART UK
Depart UK
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Day 2: ARRIVE AHMEDABAD
Upon your arrival in Ahmedabad, you will be assisted by your Aahilya Holiday’s Travel personnel who will transfer you to the Hotel for check in.
In the evening short movie about crafts, culture, architecture & textile of Gujarat.
Dinner & Overnight stay.
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Day 3: AHMEDABAD
After breakfast proceed for Heritage Walk of the old city of Ahmedabad.
Return to your hotel for Lunch and participate in the Kalamkari workshop also known as Mata Ni Pachedi.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 4: AHMEDABAD - DASADA
Breakfast will be at your hotel.
Later drive to Dasada [Approx. 250 Kms: 6 Hrs] en-route visiting Rani Ki Vav & Patola museum at Patan, visit Sun Temple at Modhera and continue driving to Dasada.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 5: DASADA
After breakfast enjoy Jeep Safari to Wild Ass Sanctuary in The Little Rann of Kutch (maximum 6 pax to a Jeep).
Lunch will be at your hotel.
After lunch, proceed for a nearby village safari to see Kharapati Rabari embroidery work.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 6: DASADA - BHUJ
After breakfast check out and drive to Bhuj [276 Kms: 5-6 Hrs].
Lunch will be at a local restaurant on a direct payment basis.
Arrive Bhuj and check-in at your hotel
Evening free to explore the town.
Dinner & Stay overnight at the hotel.
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Day 7: BHUJ
After breakfast, proceed to visit the artisan studio to see Tie and Dye work.
After lunch visit a village called Bhujodi [15 Kms: 30mins one-way drive] to see Shawl Weaving & visit to the house of Rabari to see some Rabari embroidery work.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 8: BHUJ
After breakfast, excursion to Banni Villages [100 Kms: 3 hrs one way] & visit different tribal embroidery.
Later you will participate in an embroidery workshop at Kala Raksha.
Dinner & Overnight stay
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Day 9: BHUJ
Today morning you will be visiting Nirona Village (40 Kms / 01 Hr one way ) to experience the skill-intensive process of tuning the famous copper bells of Jura.
Later visit Rogan Art and Lacquer work.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 10: BHUJ
After Breakfast, drive to Ajrakhpur [15 Kms / 40 mins one way approx] to see Ajrakh Block Printing, we will arrange a workshop here.
Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant on direct payment basis.
Later visit the LLDC museum (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays). Later, drive back to Bhuj
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 11: BHUJ - AHMEDABAD
After breakfast visit Dhaneti village [30 Kms / 1 Hr] and learn the technique of Ahir Embroidery. (Please note it will be just a demonstration).
Later drive to Ahmedabad.
Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant on a direct payment basis.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 12: AHMEDABAD
Morning after breakfast visit Shreyas Folk Museum and local market.
Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant on a direct payment basis.
Later, drive to Pethapur village and experience Wooden Block making which are used for Block printing.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 13: AHMEDABAD
After breakfast you will be visiting famous Calico Museum. (Museum remains closed on Wednesday and public holidays).
Later, you will enjoy the sightseeing of Ahmedabad visiting the beautiful Jama Masjid - one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. Pass by the Shaking Minarets and visit Hathi Singh temple and Sidi Sayid’s mosque.
Visit Sabarmati Ashram and as per your time slot. Evening visit the Law Garden market.
Dinner & Overnight stay.
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Day 14: DEPART AHMEDABAD
Today at the appropriate time, you will be transferred by Aahilya Holiday’s representative to Ahmedabad airport to board a flight to your onward destination / London.
Tour Cost
| Price Proposal | TEXTILE TREASURES OF GUJARAT |
|---|---|
| DATE OF TRAVEL | 06 Feb – 19 Feb 2024 |
| Based on stay in a twin share Room | GBP 2020 per person |
| Based on stay in a Single Private Room | GBP 2725 per single |
*International flights are not included in the above cost.
