A STRIKING exhibition exploring the rich world of handmade textiles from India will be unveiled at Bradford Literature Festival.

The exclusive sneak preview presents The Fabric of India, which will open at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London from October 3, running until January 10.

The exhibition explores the tradition of Indian textiles, from the earliest known fragments to cutting-edge contemporary fashion. It will illustrate the technical mastery and creativity that has been at the heart of Indian textile production for centuries.

Divia Patel, a curator in the Asian Department of the V&A Museum, will give a talk about The Fabric of India. January saw the publication of her book, India Contemporary Design: Fashion, Graphics, Interiors. Her areas of expertise include contemporary art, popular culture and photography of South Asia.

* The Fabric of India: Textiles and Fashion at the V&A is at the Midland Hotel's Conference Centre on Sunday, May 17 from 3pm - 4pm.