For Indonesians, batik is more than just a cultural product. It is a storytelling art deeply woven into the nation’s identity. Let us share some of these stories with you, surrounded by examples of the craft.

Join Dr Bintan Titisari and Jill Winder, curators of our current exhibition Batiks of Indonesia: Java and beyond, for this free talk. We'll introduce the newly catalogued Coleman Collection of Indonesian Textiles. Then we’ll look at the enduring cultural significance of these distinctive fabrics.

A variety of beautiful, intricate examples show batik as a product of the rich and diverse cultures of Indonesia. We'll explore the functions and meanings that these fabrics have for the societies which create and use them.

Our curators will offer insights into the symbolic patterns and deep-rooted traditions of batik. We'll also see how batik continues to evolve from traditional symbols to contemporary fashion. We'll look at how the craft has grown and spread from Java to other areas, inspiring modern designs while honouring its origins. By the end, we'll come to show batik as a living art that bridges past and present.