10
June 2025

Arts and Crafts of Mexico, Past and Present

Welcome to The Arts Society Gravesend
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 11:00
The Masonic Hall
25 Wrotham Road Gravesend DA11 0PA
Online Event

Today we explore the arts and crafts of Mexico.

Arts and crafts remain an essential part of Mexican life. After the Spanish conquest of 1521, the raw materials, techniques and art styles of Europe merged with those of the New World. Drawing on skills inherited from Aztec, Maya and Spanish predecessors, makers bring a modern vision to ancient traditions. Exquisite textiles, silver jewellery, wooden dance-masks, imaginative toys and fine pottery are still used in many regions. Chloë Sayer has made collections for the British Museum. She also owns an extensive range of Mexican folk art and is happy (if travel arrangements allow) to display examples when she lectures. 

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Ms Chloe Sayer

Freelance specialist in the art and culture of Latin America. Has lectured in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Has curated exhibitions, and assisted on TV documentaries for BBC and Channel 4. Has made collections in Mexico and Belize for the British Museum, and is Research Associate in the Department of World Cultures at the Royal Ontario Museum. In 2016 she was awarded the prestigious Ohtli medal by the Mexican government for her long-standing commitment to Mexican culture. Her many publications include Mexican Textiles (British Museum Press, 1990), Arts and Crafts of Mexico (Thames & Hudson, 1990), Focus on Aztecs and Incas  (Watts Books, 1995), The Incas - The Ancient World (Wayland, 1998), Textiles from Mexico (British Museum Press, 2002), and Mexico: Clothing and Culture (Royal Ontario Museum, 2015). Has also published articles in travel guides, newspapers and magazines.

Mobile number is for use on the day; please contact by email or landline in the first instance.