Lake House Carpet Exhibition – Tales From Tibet
Vi Cottrell with the master weaver at the Puruwala Tibetan Settlement in Northern India (2007).
Lake House Carpet Exhibition – Tales From Tibet
Illustrated with exquisite hand-knotted threads, the Tales from Tibet Exhibition and Sale features the traditional
symbols and mythology of Tibetan refugee weavers and opens on Tuesday the 24th of June.
Tales from Tibet tells the tale of the snow capped mountains that led Tibetan refugees on their long journey, the
mystical creatures of the Tibetan legends and the symbols that depict the culture they still live and breathe. The
carpets that were carried over the mountains as the Tibetans left their homeland alert us to the value placed on these
functional works of art and have allowed the weavers to retain the essence and tradition of the Tibetan culture in their
work.
Today, each carpet is the product of a skilled Tibetan refugee’s craftsmanship and represents the fair trading
relationship between Trade Aid and the Tibetan producers in India and Nepal. The 45 carpets are truly pieces of art
which can only be viewed during exhibitions held by Trade Aid three times a year in various galleries across New
Zealand.
These unique pieces were the founding products which led Trade Aid into relationships with thousands of producers across
the developing world. “Tales from Tibet is your chance to purchase an original hand woven carpet that guarantees itself
exploitation free in an industry notorious for child labour and low wages” says Vi Cottrell co –founder of Trade Aid. “A
medium sized carpet provides work for one weaver for a month and an income sufficient to support the family”. Vi will be
present on opening night to talk of her experience with the Tibetan culture, product and experience as founder of Trade
Aid.
The exhibition and sale runs from June 24th to July 13th at the Lake House arts centre in Takapuna and an opening will
be held at 5pm on Tuesday June 24th, to which all are welcome.
ENDS