Judy Tenzing will present a talk titled 'Muslin: Fabric of Empires'. The story of muslin is one of empires, global trade and the development of a textile which was once the quest of kings and emperors across the world. Josephine Bonaparte coveted it, Jane Austen featured muslin in her novels and Mughal emperors had their Bengali textile artisans work to create the finest fabric ever made. In this lecture we will learn of its origins, its zenith as a global treasure and its demise at the hands of an unscrupulous and ruthless trading company.

Judy’s passion is the great Indian sub-continent. Having lived and worked in the region as a trekking guide, administrator and tour operator for over 40 years she has gained a deep knowledge of and love for the region that permeates all aspects of her life. With an academic background in South Asian history Judy has lectured on the history and cultures of this region at the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education and the Art Gallery of New South Wales among other venues.

She is the author of the definitive book on Sherpa mountaineering history, Tenzing and the Sherpas of Everest (published 2001) and is currently working on a new project set in the region. Judy travels frequently to India, Bhutan and Nepal and maintains close ties with the region and its wonderful people.

JJ Feild and Felicity Jones as Henry Tilney and Catherine Morland in ‘Northanger Abbey’ (2007)