Experience the beauty and variety of Indonesian fabrics in this display of batiks from the Coleman Collection.

Batik, a wax resist method of decorating cloth, has developed as a craft in many parts of Asia and Africa. But it is in Indonesia, and in particular the island of Java, where this technique has reached its height. Indonesian batik is even recognised on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Now you can discover the stories of these beautiful fabrics, and the cultures and techniques that produced them.  

Batiks of Indonesia: Java and beyond celebrates the cataloguing and digitisation of over 250 fabrics in The Coleman Collection of Indonesian Textiles. The exhibition features a selection of intricate designs from across Java, made with the distinctive wax resist method. They show how geographic and historic influences have created a wealth of different styles. Genuine Indonesian batiks, attempts to emulate them, and a work in progress create a rich and colourful display.  

Learn about how complex, delicate and time-consuming traditional Indonesian batik production can be. Watch the authentic batik-making process in a series of instructional videos. Explore how traditional Javanese batik contrasts with batiks in other parts of Indonesia. Identify differences between batiks for the internal market and those created for tourism, and uncover the significance of different motifs and colour.  

The Coleman Collection was donated by Hywel Coleman in 2022. Hywel Coleman is Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the School of Education and a Life Fellow of the University of Leeds. He first visited Indonesia in 1972. He now lives on the outskirts of Jakarta as an Indonesian citizen. He has been collecting Indonesian textiles since 1973, many purchased direct from the creators or given to him as gifts.