The Sirikit Institute will host the "Arts of the Kingdom VI" exhibition at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Dusit Palace, from Dec 1, to celebrate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 84th birthday anniversary.
Craftswomen at the Sirikit Institute work on a large-scale tapestry.
"Arts of the Kingdom is an exhibition of works that represents arts and crafts traditions in the reign of King Rama IX," said Thanpuying Supornpen Luangthepnimith, deputy private secretary to Her Majesty the Queen.
"All those pieces are designed to be metal-based for durability, so that they will become lasting testament to the world of the refined arts and crafts heritage of the Thai people."
Members of the public are invited to see the exhibition at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Dusit Palace from Dec 2 onwards.
The Sirikit Institute began more than 30 years ago. Back then, the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand (known as Support) originated from Her Majesty's concern for the well-being of those living in remote areas of the country, especially farmers who had to rely on favourable weather to make a living. In times of drought, these farmers were unable to eke out a living for themselves and their families.
Realising this, Her Majesty enrolled children from poor families in arts and crafts training programmes designed to revive and preserve Thailand's ancient crafts _ while providing young Thais with supplementary vocational training.
Over the years, the number of students at Support's training centre at Chitralada Villa grew, and in 1980 a permanent building was erected.
The Support centre has achieved great advances, producing highly refined craft products that measure up to the work of the royal craftsmen of the Rattanakosin period. The centre produces gold lacquer artisans, goldsmiths, silversmiths, gold engravers, colour enamellers, embroiderers, woodcarvers and weavers.
In 2010, the government elevated the status of the Support training centre to the level of the Sirikit Institute as a tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 80th birthday anniversary.
