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Silk Road: A Textile Journey
February 12, 2020 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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Wool, cotton and silk have each played a crucial role in the fortunes of Central Asia. They were much needed resources for the great nomadic races and their cultures.
Chris Alexander was born in Turkey and spent his childhood there and in war-torn Beirut. After school, Chris spent two years at sea before studying media and journalism at Leicester University. He then moved to Khiva, a desert oasis in Uzbekistan, establishing a UNESCO workshop reviving fifteenth century carpet designs and embroideries, creating employment for women. After a year in the UK writing, “A Carpet Ride to Khiva”, he moved to the Pamirs in Tajikistan, training yak herders to comb their yaks for their cashmere-like down; he spent three years there.
Next came two years in Kyrgyzstan, living in the world’s largest natural walnut forest and establishing a wood-carving workshop.
Chris has recently finished studying at Oxford and is a curate at St. Barnabas, North Finchley. He is the author of, “Alabaster” and “Manacle” and returns to central Asia whenever he can, conducting tours there.
One of the most interesting and well presented lectures I have ever heard. Thank you.
What a fascinating talk.. Very interesting to see and hear such a personal account of another world, it’s people and their way of life.
Chris is a colourful character and storyteller. We are lucky to have been able to share his experiences via The Arts Society. One of the best. Thank you.
Pauline Varley.
A full house is a consequence of a very small room rather than a measure of enthusiasm for the environment. Sardines are lifeless and processed but we have not yet reached that point. It is becoming a disincentive. Not your fault.
Chris Alexander covered a vast field of interest. Would have preferred more time spent on less material.
Excellent lecture. Delighted to have heard every word
This was an excellent lecture given by a man who obviously loves the region and its people. Fascinating insight to glorious fabrics. Thank you Chris.
Engaging speaker, with authentic stories and illustrations, explained in a very lucid way. The sound system is now sorted, I believe, but the “full house” meant it was difficult for some on the back landing to see comfortably. Is it cost or availability preventing a move back to a larger lecture theatre?
Art, craft, geography and history all rolled up into a captivating story. All achieved in such a short time, amazingly.
This was a superb, informative lecture, delivered naturally and with humour by a lecturer who clearly loves the area and knows it intimately. The visuals were outstanding and the sound with the hand held mike was perfect.
A fascinating lecture. At the end of the lecture the enthusiasm of the lecturer for his subject made me want to learn more. Really enjoyable.
The sound quality was much improved
This was an outstanding lecture, ranking alongside Andrew Prince earlier this session. Chris Alexander’s presentation, enthusiasm and plethora of colourful photos made it a memorable evening. I was really sorry when he finished speaking as he was brimming with knowledge and the bonus was the improved sound system.