‘Woman’s dress of dark blue cotton, Ukraine, c.1880’: the complex reality behind a simple description

Alongside the human cost of conflict, the nihilistic destruction of centuries of historic heritage in Ukraine has provoked alarm, outrage and offers of support across the international museum sector. At the outset of hostilities, we looked to provide practical support where we could. For example, in the supply of wooden pallets and packing cases. Director Chris Breward reflects on his own connections to Ukraine and follows the thread of one of our Ukrainian textiles.