To coincide with London Craft Week and East Asian cherry blossom festivals celebrating the arrival of spring, an installation of 4,800 hand stitched mandus (Korean dumplings) created from hand-dyed organza silk will fill the Garden Museum’s baptistery.
Cherry blossom festivals in East Asian countries bring people together to celebrate the arrival of spring, gathering beneath the trees to share food and experience the fleeting beauty of blossom. Korean mandu (strings of dumplings) are often made to give to friends with a written message of good wishes wrapped inside.
In this project organised by textile artist Sara Cook and supported by the British Korean Society, an immersive display of blossom will be created with strings of handmade organza silk mandu dumplings, welcoming spring and connecting to a wider cultural tradition.
The exhibition is part of London Craft Week (11-17 May 2026) and will be accompanied by a programme of complimentary events and workshops.