It is impossible to measure the importance of cotton in the history of the modern world. The most widely used staple fibre, cotton is soft and lightweight. Its fabric is breathable, durable and easy on the skin. Cotton was the influential crop that contributed to the rapid development of the Industrial Revolution, and despite its pure hue, has a dark history as the primary driver of the global slave trade. It later became the symbol of Mahatma Ghandi's independence movement against British Colonisation and continues to be contested in the inequalities of the mass production of clothing. However, cotton's problematic history and mass appeal overlook the beauty and delicacy of the fluffy, cottonwool-like fibres of the Gossypium plant and the textiles that are produced from it. This evening's online talk brings together academics, cotton producers, designers and cotton activists to discuss the legacy of cotton from historical and contemporary perspectives.Download the event programme with the list of speakers and details of their talks HERE.Cancellation policyAll orders for online talks are non-refundable.
