Explore the Social Fabric: African Textiles Today exhibition and discover how traditional African pattern designs have been developed with contemporary motifs and proverbs to express identities both cultural and political.  The sessions will introduce a range of printmaking techniques including block printing and heat transfer.

The workshop will be a starting point for each pupil to design, develop and print their own kanga-style fabric either to wear, to use as interior furnishing or as a statement banner or flag to be displayed at later showcase event at the gallery. Students can model their kangas down the main gallery staircase with a chance to pose for portfolio photographs and invite friends and family. Workshops are led by Elizabeth Oniri, a British textile designer inspired by the African tradition.

Primary pupils can book one of our regular Investigating Pattern 2 hour workshops which have been extended to include the Social Fabric exhibition and compare African patterns with William Morris designs. Pupils will print their own mini-kanga using blocks insprired by traditional African motifs. For more details see the Schools page in the Learning section. Workshops cost from £100 per class of 30 pupils.