V&A Dundee will present the exhibition 'Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine', opening on 26 June 2025 and running until spring 2026. This exhibition will explore the art of Palestinian embroidery, known as Tatreez, and its role in preserving Palestinian stories and identity.
The exhibition will feature a rich array of historical dresses, veils, jewelry, and accessories, showcasing the evolution of Tatreez from the late 19th century to the present day. It will include pieces from the collections of the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit and the V&A, alongside contemporary works. A highlight will be a dress worn by Nadia El-Nakla, reflecting her Palestinian heritage.
Tatreez, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is at the heart of the exhibition. The exhibition will also celebrate the enduring relationship between Dundee and Nablus, which has been twinned for 45 years, highlighting the historic links between Scotland and Palestine. It will also spotlight the resilience of Palestinian creativity, including a dress damaged in the 2023 bombing of the Rafah Museum.