To promote, sustain and preserve the tradition of woven textiles through education, research and partnerships.
To raise awareness of Bangladeshi traditional textiles, with special focus on fine Bengal muslin and Jamdani, in the wider community in the UK and other parts of the world.
To promote and raise awareness of the weaving skills of the weavers of Bangladesh.
Muslin Trust runs events and provides talks on the history of fine Bengal muslin which was woven for centuries in specific areas of Bangladesh. We also run awareness events to promote the skills of Bangladeshi weavers of Jamdani (figured muslin). In 2013 Jamdani was listed on UNESCO's representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognised as a symbol of identity, dignity and self recognition which provides the wearers with a sense of cultural identity and social cohesion
We have run a 10 week funded project with seven young people aged 16-18 who re-created under expert tuition two Regency gowns using Jamdani (figured muslin) motifs in currency during Regency times. The gowns have been displayed in various places, including an old palace in Bangladesh.
We have received funding to run an 18 month oral history project. The project will be supported by Merton Heritage Centre, Museum of London, British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum .