Inspirations - India 01

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Embroidery Designs by Elizabeth Almond

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Inspirations
India 1

India Compilation

India is a land of culture and history and was the prize in Britain's imperial colonies. Queen Victoria's "Jewel in the Crown". It is also a land of vibrant colour and majesty where the British overseers and the Indian princes ruled from the sumptuous grandeur of marble palaces. Delhi, the capital, is a city steeped in the architectural glory of the British Raj and the Mughal emperors.

Once the political and cultural capital of the Mughal Emperor Shan Jahan, during the 17th century, Delhi is filled with splendour and vibrancy. Its treasure include the towering Qutb Minar, built during the 13th century to herald the arrival of the Muslim sultans. This contrasts with the classic Hindu designs of the Chattarpur temple complex and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.

Old Delhi with its crowded Chandni Chowk and the Jami Masjid, India's largest mosque, engages all the senses, and provides an unforgettable source of inspiration. For me, the Lodi Gardens with its unkempt landscape and neglected tombs, was a haven of tranquility in the midst of a bustling city.

Travelling to Agra through the countryside was fascinating and hair raising. Agra was once the capital city of the mighty Mughals and much of its majesty was due to the vision and power of Akbar the Great and his grandson, Shar Jahan. The imposing sandstone Agra Fort and the magnificent marble splendour of the Taj Mahal represents the best of Moghul architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort has a dazzling array of palaces and mosques, whilst the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal exceeded my expectations. Built by Shah Jahan to honour the memory of his wife, Mumtaz, the Taj is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, taking over 20 years to build and costing in excess of 3 million rupees.The craftsmanship on all these buildings was outstanding.

The impact India makes is immediate, impressive and everlasting. Its people are warm and welcoming and it has been one of the most memorable countries I have visited and has provided a constant source of inspiration for my designs.

Inspirations
India 1

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