Prof. Bessie Cecil

Prof. Bessie Cecil, an alumna of Chennai College of Arts and Crafts and a Ph.D. graduate in Textile Design from the University of Madras, is a distinguished expert in Indian textiles. With over 20 years of experience, she has been the recipient of prestigious fellowships, including the Nehru UK Visiting Fellowship, Fulbright Doctoral Fellowship, National Heritage Board Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, and the Charles Wallace Fellowship. Her research spans a wide spectrum, from reviving extinct crafts to documenting living traditions. As a prominent curator, she has contributed to exhibitions such as Batik Sutra – Tagore Travel and Textiles and Sutras – Colours of Nature, and collaborated with institutions like the Kalakshetra Foundation. Dr. Cecil’s expertise is nationally recognized, serving on significant jury panels and contributing to India’s 75th Independence celebrations. Currently an independent researcher, she is working on two notable books, A Journey with Khadi and Weaving India, both limited-edition publications incorporating fabric swatches to offer a tactile and visual documentation of India’s textile heritage. Her ongoing projects include an in-depth study of Chettinadu saris and the natural indigo traditions of Tamil Nadu, further reflecting her commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s rich craft legacy.