Asian women open the gates to the Fusilier Museum

Three groups of Asian Women have worked with The Fusilier Museum to launch their own exhibition. 

The brand new exhibition was opened on Wednesday 13 March by Councillor Shaheena Haroon and combines the hard work of women from Bury’s Jinnah Centre, Bury Asian Women’s Centre and the Workers’ Educational Association. 

Over five weeks the women met with local artist Cat Jessop to explore the museum, discover famous Fusiliers and wrap each other in newspaper to create their very own paper costume.  Over the remaining weeks the women learnt the art of silk painting and how to make their own exhibition. 

The exhibition, named Opening the Gates, is inspired by the closing of the gates ceremony at the Wagah border between India and Pakistan. The museum and groups of women focused on how the gates can be opened and how people can be welcomed to the museum.  The exhibition details the process of the project with photographs, a mannequin dressed in silk paintings, colourful newspaper costumes and dressing up and colouring in for children.

Helen Field, General Manager of the museum, said: “The exhibition opening was very well attended.  It seems only right that Councillor Haroon should open the exhibition due to her being the first ever female Asian Councillor ever in the history of Bury.  We really enjoyed working with the groups of women of all ages from those in their 20s to women in their 90s.  Do come to the museum to see this fantastic exhibition.”

ENDS

Issued: 19 March 2013.