About Geeta Khandelwal
Geeta Khandelwal is a distinguished textile artist and master quilt maker from Mumbai, India, whose illustrious career spans over five decades. A true visionary in the realm of textile artistry, she has been instrumental in preserving and elevating India’s rich quilting traditions on the global stage. Her journey began in the 1970s, marking the inception of a lifelong pursuit dedicated to excellence in craftsmanship and historical preservation.
Recognizing the profound artistic heritage embedded in Indian textiles, Khandelwal established a distinguished enterprise that not only produced exquisite, handcrafted quilts for the Western market but also empowered local artisans by providing them with sustainable livelihoods.
In 2016, Geeta undertook an extraordinary endeavor—meticulously recreating miniature versions of opulent garments once adorned by Indian maharajas between the 1750s and 1950s. These exquisitely detailed robes, crafted to one-eighth of their original size, serve as a testament to her unparalleled dedication to textile conservation and historical storytelling. Her work, celebrated at prestigious international exhibitions and revered in academic circles, continues to inspire and redefine the legacy of Indian quilting, ensuring its timeless artistry endures for generations to come.
Geeta’s Work
1977 – 2015
Founded Gitanjali Exports
A company that exported handmade quilts
Clients include international department stores Indiska: Stockholm, Galleries Lafayette: Paris, El Corté Ingles: Madrid, Einrichtung: Zurich, Tokyo Department Store: Tokyo
From 2005 shifted focus to exclusive limited editions that sold directly to textile designers and collectors,. visiting textile enthusiasts and groups led by Yoshiko Wada and Polly Leonard of selvedge Magazine. to leading stores including Harvey Nichols and Harrods in the UK
2006 – 2015
Produced a book: “Godharis: of Maharashtra”
Book launched at the International Quilt Festival, Birmingham UK
Researched rural quilts of Maharashtra state in India and produced a book “Godharis: of Maharashtra” Western India. Book launched at the International Quilt Festival, Birmingham UK. By Quiltmania . France.
Gave related lectures at Asia Society, New York, Friends of the Museum, Singapore and the World Crafts Council in Madras among others
2017 – 2019
Created a collection of 60 Miniature Costumes
Book launched at the International Quilt Festival, Birmingham UK
Inspired by the book, “The Calico Museum Book of Costumes”, written in 1992 by leading art historian, B.N. Goswamy,
This collection was exhibited at the Bhau Dhaji Ladd Museum, in Mumbai, along with a catalogue.
Invited Dr. Toolika Gupta, President of the Jaipur School of Arts and Crafts, to give a lecture at the Bhau Daji Lad Museum in October, 2019 titled: Politics and Fashion: Elite Indian Menswear from 1857-1947
2020 – 2022
Created Stitching Stories: Covid-19, a textile essay
An edition of 50 books
2021 – Present
Revival Miniature International Quilt Project
Work in progress on 80 miniature doll’s quilts that are based on classic American designs, Japanese, UK and Indian traditional quilts. This is a synthesis of quilting, textile and embroidery experience of over 45 years. The fabrics used are mostly vintage from my collection.
2023 February; till end March. Exhibit of Art Quilts at Zapurza Museum Khadakwasla.
A Group of Textile Enthusiasts visited my home to see my miniature creations. It was led by Polly Leaonard of Selvedge
November 7-9: Miniature costumes were exhibited at the Yokohama, Japan Quilt Fair.