A Cultural Research Visit to Kedleston Hall

‘My Adornment is My Power’ is an exhibition exploring South Asian jewellery in the Kedleston collection, alongside new pieces designed and created by Anisha Parmar, artist, and curator. The importance of gold jewellery in South Asian culture was proudly demonstrated also using costume, dance, and poetry, giving the group lots to reflect on and be inspired by.

The adult learning group will be involved in a wider project, that the Culture Leicestershire team are leading on, with a focus on the Cossington Jewellery held in the Leicestershire County Council Museum Collection. This Bronze Age necklace was found in an archaeological dig in Cossington and will be the catalyst to our community projects as we dig into what jewellery means to us. This connection to the importance of jewellery can be seen to transcend time and is not limited to any cultural group.

‘My Adornment is My Power’ uses jewellery in the same way, which was inspirational to learn. Anisha explained to us how jewellery can act as a symbol of power to the wearer and of expression of heritage and background. Learners were encouraged to reflect on the collection pieces. They will use this experience to identify what jewellery is important to them and their families to eventually create artwork which will feature in an exhibition in 2024. Keep an eye out for the exhibition in Charnwood Museum next year!

To find out more about heritage and library projects visit www.cultureleicestershire.co.uk.

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