About

This showcase presents a pioneering exploration of Thai handicraft heritage through the transformation of traditional bamboo weaving and Karen ethnic textiles into contemporary art and design. 

Rooted in the cultural landscape of Lamphun, Northern Thailand, the initiative bridges ancestral knowledge with modern creative practice, positioning local craftsmanship within the global creative economy. At the heart of the exhibition are handwoven bamboo hats and distinctive Karen textiles, developed through in-depth field research and close collaboration with master artisans and community groups.

Lamphun is home to more than 60 Karen villages, where weaving traditions carry deep cultural meaning, identity, and generational knowledge. By integrating these textiles with refined bamboo hat-making techniques, the project reimagines functional objects as contemporary design pieces and sculptural artworks. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach that combines cultural study, participatory design, and creative-based research. Artisans, designers, and scholars worked collectively to preserve traditional techniques while innovating new forms suited to international audiences. The resulting prototypes reflect both local identity and global relevance.

Presented as part of London Craft Week 2026, the exhibition introduces Thai woven hats into a cultural context where hat-wearing carries historical and social significance. The showcase features a curated display of contemporary prototypes, live weaving demonstrations, and interactive workshops, offering visitors direct engagement with traditional techniques.

Beyond the exhibition, the project supports community artisans by expanding market visibility, strengthening international networks, and reinforcing cultural pride among younger generations. It positions Thai handicraft not only as heritage, but as dynamic cultural capital – capable of innovation, sustainability, and global dialogue. Through this initiative, bamboo weaving and Karen textile traditions evolve from local craftsmanship into internationally recognised contemporary cultural assets.

The opening reception for the “WOVEN SHADE” exhibition will be presided over by H.E. Ambassador Natthawat Krishnamra, alongside the Director of the National Research Council of Thailand.