Travel the World Without Leaving Norfolk

Global Textile Exhibition at Blickling Estate

Meisen kimono, Japan, early 20th century, silk (c) Karun Thakar Collection, photo by Desmond Brambley

When was the last time you visited Blickling Estate? If it’s been a while, this summer’s exhibition could be the perfect reason to return.

The National Trust has partnered with renowned collector, author and curator Karun Thakar to offer visitors a fresh way to experience this historic house.

Journeys: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection brings together striking textiles from around the world. Through these beautiful objects, the exhibition explores big ideas such as migration, trade, craftsmanship and global history, revealing how places like Blickling are connected to stories far beyond Norfolk.

A carefully curated selection of star objects from Karun Thakar’s collection are now on show, including Japanese kimonos, Punjabi baghs and kanthas, French toiles, Italian embroideries, Turkoman coats, and Kente cloths from Ghana.

On display are standout pieces including Japanese kimonos, Punjabi baghs and kanthas, French toiles, Italian embroideries, Turkoman coats and colourful Kente cloths from Ghana. Each item has its own story, helping to show how materials, skills and traditions have travelled across cultures and generations.

The exhibition also uncovers the human side of textiles – how they are made, used and passed down. These displays highlight not only their history, but also the living traditions they continue to inspire today.

As Emma Slocombe, Senior National Curator for Dress & Textiles at the National Trust, explains: “Textiles shape our personal identities and homes: from the clothes we wear to the furnishings we choose.”

By bringing Thakar’s collection together with items already at Blickling, including books from the historic library, the exhibition offers a new way to see the house – one where local heritage meets global stories.

Plan your visit

Journeys: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection runs from 22 May to 1 November. The house is open daily from 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm).