India Inc launched

Incorporating the well-loved fine paper shop the Paper Place, formerly in Market Road, within its fold, last week saw the quiet launch of India Inc. at 7 Market Road, Rye.

Showcasing the skilful handicrafts of the Indian sub-continent, influenced by Jacobean, Islamic, Persian and Kashmiri design motifs, this new venture brings a truly exciting range of products to our town shopping experience. From Kashmiri crewelwork on rugs, both felted wool and woven, leather handbags, sling bags, pouches and purses, to pre-loved rugs from the same region and ethnic background, to an expanded range of hand crewelled cushion covers and rescued rug and kilim cushions, the new shop at 7 Market Road is a breath of freshness this winter.

The window displays exude warm colours from across the Orient in the fascinating wool-worked rug patterns, intricately bringing home a tribal ethos from the past. We now have a beautiful array of things that were not available in Rye before, somewhere to immerse oneself in another culture, and spend just £4 on a fine sheet of wrapping paper (made from reconstituted wool waste and real gold leaf) painstakingly screen-printed with the lush colours that organic floral and vegetable dyes create, using traditional fabric patterns.In fact, we are reliably informed that the artisans creating these paper products, like bottle bags and large and small gift bags, once worked in the Indian fabric industry that has been in decline. They are therefore working with paper so as not to lose the skill and artistry involved in the workmanship.

Amazingly, the paper products, although beautifully gilded with real gold are very affordable, in fact, they cost as much if not less than the cheap gold foil covered gift bags so readily available at most supermarkets. The woman behind this venture, Dr Anwesha Arya PhD, brings back her fine papers with this expanded range of beautiful home wares, sourced from India and within the local artistic community, as a way to infuse the culture of an organic lifestyle, reminiscent of William Morris’ Arts & Crafts ideology of beauty and utility.

At the Feast of Delights fair at the Rye Creative Centre over the last weekend, our very own MP and Home Secretary Amber Rudd was delighted to receive a gift hamper, comprising various charming items from India Inc. where you will also find useful advice on rug repair and care. All your gifting needs wrapped up, fine papers, gift tags and bags, papier maiche baubles carefully hand-painted and so much more. Included in the expanded range are crewel work short and long coats, and ponchos. Be led this season to find oriental warmth right here in Rye.

Dr Arya is also an academic, writer, poet and is presently organising a film club which will take place at the Kino in Lion Street, in the Silver room. She plans to show Indian movies  (her father made several in India) and hopes to bring interesting people to the town to give a talk and encourage discussion on that night. The first is to take place in January, exact date not known yet. There will be the possibility of becoming a member and entering for a minimal charge, while non-members will pay a little extra.

Source: India Inc.

Photos: Kenneth Bird

Photos: Kenneth Bird