[03/10/2015-10/01/2016] SILK BROCADES One of the aims of the Great Exhibition of 1851 was to improve British manufacturing by providing examples of good design to inspire manufacturers. The Indian Court displayed fine woollen shawls from Kashmir, delicate muslins from Bengal and silk brocades from Ahmedabad. Visitors admired the Indian textiles for their exquisite craftsmanship, pattern and colour - qualities that mass manufactured British products had lost. Silk with metal-wrapped thread Ahmedabad, Gujarat, about 1850 V&A: 788:2-1852; 779-1852 [03/10/2015-10/01/2016]