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What is the Batik Guild International?
The Batik Guild International is a UK-based, non-profit organisation funded by members’ subscriptions and run entirely by volunteers. The Guild was founded in 1986 in London by a group of artists who had studied under Noel Dyrenforth and shared a passion for the art of batik.
Since its founding, the Guild has grown into a truly international community, with around 200 members from across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and other parts of the world. Its membership includes professional artists, emerging makers, teachers, and enthusiasts who simply enjoy working with batik.
The Guild’s principal objective is to encourage a wider appreciation and understanding of batik as a centuries-old craft that continues to inspire contemporary creative practice. It actively supports the development of batik in educational settings, promoting its inclusion in schools, colleges, and other learning environments alongside more widely recognised art forms.
Members—both amateur and professional—work collaboratively to promote knowledge of batik, from its rich cultural and historical traditions across different regions of the world to its evolving role in modern artistic expression. The Batik Guild Magazine, published three times a year, provides a platform for sharing ideas, techniques, and international perspectives, fostering a global exchange of information and inspiration.
Exhibitions have been held in many parts of the United Kingdom, including the 2006 – 2007 touring exhibition, funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Members have represented the Batik Guild at Conferences in Boston, U.S.A.; Warsaw, Poland; Ghent, Belgium; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Saitama, Japan; and Guiyang, Guizhou, China. Many members have exhibited in exhibitions and have both taught and attended workshops in Java, Indonesia; Japan; Canada; U.S.A.; Australia; and several countries throughout Europe.
The Batik Guild International book ‘Batik Transitions – From Classic to Contemporary’ (published in 2006 to accompany the travelling exhibition) has sold over 2000 copies and can be purchased via the website. Members are able to apply for a biennial scholarship award established with the Temenos Academy in memory of Thetis Blacker, to facilitate the study or research of the art of batik. Winners since 2009 have come from the U.K., Ghana and Indonesia. Fundraising events have raised money to support small groups and educational activities in Java. The future activities of the Guild will endeavour to fulfil the original aims to ensure that this vibrant, unique, technically–challenging art will continue to flourish for generations to come.