Dazzling Indian Objects From The Royal Collection Coming To Bradford

Wednesday, 25 May 2016 13:44

It has been announced today that dazzling Indian objects from the Royal Collection are to go on display in a new touring exhibition visiting Bradford and Leicester next year

Some of the finest Indian treasures from the Royal Collection will go on display in a new Royal Collection Trust exhibition that tells the story of the grand tour of the Subcontinent made by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) at the end of the 19th century. Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince's Tour of India 1875–76 has been developed in collaboration with Cartwright Hall, Bradford, and New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester.

In October 1875, the Prince of Wales set off on a four-month tour, visiting over 21 localities, which today encompass India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal. Travelling nearly 7,600 miles by land and 2,300 miles by sea, he met over 90 rulers of the different regions he visited. Preceding the declaration of his mother, Queen Victoria, as the Empress of India, his visit sought to establish personal links with the local rulers and strengthen ties between the subcontinent and the British Crown.

The exhibition tells the story of the tour through watercolours, photographs and 74 exquisite works of art that were presented to the Prince as part of the traditional exchange of gifts. The Prince recognised the cultural value and artistic merit of the gifts he had received. On his return to Britain, he made arrangements for the items to be placed on public display, first at the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum), and later in Paris and at museums across the UK, including in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, York and Nottingham. Jonathan Marsden, Director, Royal Collection Trust, said, ‘We are delighted to work with Cartwright Hall and New Walk Museum & Art Gallery to exhibit these very important items from the Royal Collection and celebrate the common heritage of the UK and the Subcontinent. We hope that people from Bradford, Leicester and around the UK will visit the exhibition to enjoy these magnificent objects, as so many did when they were first shown in this country in the 19th century.’

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Geoff Reid, said, ‘I am thrilled that Cartwright Hall is working with Royal Collection Trust to launch this prestigious exhibition. I’m sure many people from across our district and beyond will visit Cartwright Hall to see the exquisite objects that will be on display. Anyone with an interest in the history of India, the royal family, art, metal craft or who just likes to see beautiful things will, I’m sure, enjoy this exhibition.’

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