Discover the cultural significance and history of Palestinian embroidered dress.
While ancient, embroidery remains a vital cultural symbol in Palestine, having evolved radically over the past 150 years. Material Power explores the rich history and cultural significance of Palestinian embroidered dress, mapping the journey from traditional village craft to its politicisation after 1948, followed by a critical re-interpretation by contemporary artists. Deeply intertwined with Palestine's social, economic, and political landscape, embroidery reflects the region's evolving conditions over shifting circumstances.
This is the first exhibition of Palestinian embroidered dress in the UK in over thirty years, drawing on extensive research and fieldwork in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. It has been curated by Rachel Dedman in collaboration with the Whitworth and Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge.

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How to get there
The Whitworth
The University Of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 6ER
0161 275 7450
Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday - 10am-5pm
Last entry 4.30pm
Exclusions and safety measures
We look forward to welcoming you to the Whitworth, gallery, shop, and café.
Discover our exhibitions and spaces and come see what's new. From, wallpapers, textiles, sculptures, and prints to those hidden gems, we have something for everyone. Relax in the cafe, and enjoy panoramic views of the park and art garden, as the seasons change.
Access
Parkside Entrance: 3 gallery-designated disabled bays are directly beside our park entrance along Denmark road. A short step-free path from our park gates leads you to the parkside entrance.
Oxford Road Entrance: There are an additional 2 disabled bays further along Denmark Road for the surrounding buildings. If using these you can enter through our main gates (across the bicycle lanes) and up shallow gradient ramps leading to our automatic doors, which open inwards.
Refurbishments
The gallery is completely accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. There are accessible toilets and baby changing facilities on the lower ground floor on either side of the buidling.There are lifts to all floors. Lifts are available for those who need them most. Lift occupancy is limited to 2 people per lift or for one household group.
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