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'Journeys' at Osterley Park and House: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection

Detail from Indian textile in Karun Thakar Collection
Detail from an Indian textile in Karun Thakar Collection | © Karun Thakar Collection/Desmond Brambley

‘Journeys’ will showcase 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 will explore 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.

Detail from a Hali textile from the Karun Thakar Collection
Detail from a Hali textile from the Karun Thakar Collection | © Karun Thakar Collection

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 visitors 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 will 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 will 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)

Detail of a fragment from Karun Thakar's aunt which she used to protect jewellery when dislocated during partition
Detail of a fragment from Karun Thakar's aunt which she used to protect jewellery when dislocated during partition | © Karun Thakar Collection / Desmond Brambley

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 Entrance Hall at Osterley Park and House, London

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 Entrance Hall at Osterley Park and House in London

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.

Garden at Osterley with Robert Adam-designed Garden House on RHS

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.

View across the lake towards the east front with the 'transparent' portico at Osterley, Middlesex

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.

Plain scones served on a plate with jam and butter

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