This is the lesser known place when it comes to textile. The Weavers Service Centre has over the years done remarkable work in development of handloom textiles and its revival. A lot of revival of textiles under the venerable Martand Singh was carried out at several of the Weavers Service Centres. There is a legacy of work done under the doyens of Indian handlooms – Late Ms. Kamala Devi Chattopadyay, Late Ms. Pupul Jayakar, Late Ms. Jasleen Dhamija The WSC in Delhi is situated at Bharat Nagar which is near Ashok Nagar, in a place which goes by the name of Bunkar Colony. Apart from this, it is the repertoire of work done for the various Tantuvi exhibition which is exhaustive. They also have a collection of textiles produced under the Vishwakarma and Festival of India series. The recently launched National Centre for Textile Design (NCTD) offering designs and India Handloom Brand Cell also operate out of the WSC. A visit to the WSC has much to offer in terms of the vast repertoire of what is the Indian legacy of handlooms. The research material available is mind boggling. One needs to go and speak to the Asst. Director heading the division and after securing such permission can have a private viewing. The samples are not displayed.
A detail piece on the various Weavers Service Centre can be read at – www.armchairtextilejourney.com
Timings – 10
am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday). The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Where - Weavers’ Service Centre, Weavers Colony,
Bharat Nagar, Ashok Vihar, Delhi – 110052.
Highlights
- One can see handloom weavers in
factories. And there are some shops selling handloom products
Insider Tip – The WSC Delhi is a treasure trove of
research work done on textiles. There is information on textile recreation done
for the Viswakarma exhibitions, Tantavi project and more. The Centre has done
some pioneering work on khes from Haryana. A visit to the centre, the sampling
unit, library and resource centre is wonderful.
