'Journeys' at Osterley Park and House: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection
From 22 May – 1 November 2026, 'Journeys’ showcases highlights from Karun Thakar’s renowned global textile collection, exploring migration, trade, craftsmanship, colonialism and design.
Featuring Punjabi baghs and phulkaris, the exhibition at Osterley explores tangible cultural heritage and living traditions, whilst reframing the property's close links to trade and empire and highlighting unspoken or hard-to-see histories.
My fascination with textiles stems from the fact that no other material is so close to our bodies, touching our skin and absorbing our imprints. Textiles are full of history and act as a mirror to global events. Researching the field made me look at collections with new eyes, questioning the conventional history in the light of post-colonial contexts and narratives. I hope ‘Journeys’ will inspire others and bring fresh perspectives to these remarkable collections.
A quote by Karan Thakar Collector, author, curator
This year the National Trust is partnering with renowned collector, author and curator, Karun Thakar to invite vyou to see three historic properties in a new light: Osterley Park and House in west London, Blickling Estate in Norfolk, and Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire.
‘Journeys’ draws on highlights from Thakar’s global textile collections to explore themes of migration, trade, craftsmanship, colonialism, global history and beauty.
Through the universal theme of ‘journeys’, the exhibitions reveal the complex histories of objects, materials, and people – examining both tangible heritage and living traditions. Vibrant textile displays and film reveal stories often left untold and show how these historic houses were shaped by global connections and colonial legacies.
In the House at Osterley, intricately-embroidered wedding shawls from Punjab fill Robert Adam’s neoclassical rooms with colour and craft. These textiles, made by young women in the undivided Punjab for ceremonial use, will bring new energy and cultural presence to a property with strong links to global craftsmanship, trade and Empire through the East India Company.
'Journeys' at Osterley runs from 22 May – 1 November. House open Wednesday–Sunday, 11am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Watch Karun Thakar in conversation with Emma Slocombe, Senior National Curator at the National Trust.
Listen to Karun Thakar in conversation with Emma Slocombe to discover more about the textiles in the exhibiton and Karun's connections with them.
Allow video to play? This page contains content that is published to YouTube.
We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as this content may introduce additional cookies. You may want to read the Google YouTube terms of service and privacy policy before accepting.
Go behind the scenes at the Trinjan community workshop at Osterley Park
On 26 March 2026 Trinjan were joined at Osterley Park by Karun Thakar to share stories and textiles linked to the exhibition. Trinjan is a social and community group, aiming to empower and motivate women by providing a platform to share their experience and knowledge, socialise and make new friends.
Allow video to play? This page contains content that is published to YouTube.
We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as this content may introduce additional cookies. You may want to read the Google YouTube terms of service and privacy policy before accepting.
The history of Osterley Park
Discover the history of Osterley Park. Find out about the architect who transformed the mansion into a fashionable palace and the family who lived there.
The House at Osterley Park
Discover what to see in the house at Osterley Park. Explore the grand rooms designed by architect Robert Adam for the Child family and find out about life above and below stairs.
The garden at Osterley Park
Discover what to see in the garden at Osterley Park and House. With year-round colour, explore the Tudor walled garden, 18th-century flower beds and take in views across the estate.
Visiting the park and estate at Osterley
Explore the parkland and estate at Osterley Park and House. Discover what to see and do in the wider estate, from picnics by the lake to bird spotting.
Eating and shopping at Osterley Park
Discover where to eat and drink at Osterley Park and House. Stop for refreshments in the historic Tudor courtyard and browse the shops for gifts and pre-loved books.
Journeys at Blickling Estate: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection
‘Journeys’ will showcase highlights from Karun Thakar’s renowned global textile collection, exploring migration, trade, craftsmanship, colonialism, and design. Featuring Japanese kimonos, Punjabi baghs, French toiles, Italian embroideries, Turkoman coats and Ghanaian Kente cloths, the exhibition highlights Blickling’s role as a global country house and the interwoven histories of textiles and culture.
National Trust explores craft, culture and connection through the textile collections of Karun Thakar
"The National Trust is partnering with renowned collector and curator Karun Thakar for a series of textile‑focused exhibitions at Blickling Estate, Dyrham Park and Osterley Park and House.
