VIRTUAL – Visualising Colonialism: British-Indian Textile Labels in the Collection of Nickle Galleries

Online Resource Details

Visualising Colonialism: British-Indian Textile Labels in the Collection of Nickle Galleries highlights a unique collection of commercial textile and dye labels used during the British colonisation of India.

Displaying a unique chapter in the history of printing technology, global trade, and the Industrial Revolution, this digital exhibition offers insight into artistic, cultural, and commercial developments during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

These colourful chromolithograph labels once produced by British and Indian textile and chemical companies serve as visual markers of mass communication strategies from the time of the British Raj to India’s fight for independence.

The exhibition examines 18 vibrant chromolithographs that feature subjects and stories ranging from Hindu deities to the British monarchy, to the maharajas, the great Indian epics, flora and fauna, and views of everyday life.

Curated by Emma Dahl and Michele Hardy

Created in partial fulfillment of Museum and Heritage Studies 533: Practicum (Fall, 2023), University of Calgary.

All images photographed by Dave Brown, LCR Photo Services.