The document is a press release announcing a new collection of silk scarves inspired by Albanian folk art and history that are exclusively available at the British Museum's luxury Grenville Room Shop. The scarves were designed by Natasha Korn and each tells part of Albania's rich cultural heritage. Priced at £55 each, the scarves feature designs based on artifacts like the Butrint mosaics and Berat Codex manuscript. The press release provides details on each scarf design and notes for editors on the British Museum shops.

1. PRESS RELEASE June 2016
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Stylish New Albanian Silk Scarves
Collection launches exclusively in the
British Museum
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Step out in true style wearing these fabulous Triqita Scarves from the exclusive
‘Silk Road to Albania’ collection, only available in the British Museum’s luxury
Grenville Room Shop. Created by Natasha Korn this range of scarves has been
designed using images from traditional Albanian folk art and each tells a part of
the rich history and story of Albania. Made from luxurious silk or crepe de chine,
and priced at £55.00 each, these vibrant fashion accessories are a must-have
this season.
Butrint Mosaics Scarf - the
pattern of this scarf was inspired
by mosaics on the floor of the 6th
century Byzantine Baptistery at
Butrint National Park in the South
of Albania. The scarf shows the
mysterious charm of Butrint and
its gorgeous mosaics, which are
usually covered with sand for
protection so are rarely seen.
Silk Scarf Sunduk (Dowry

2. Chest) - the pattern of this scarf
was inspired by an Albanian dowry
chest, the sunduk. The scarf tells
a story about what the brides used
to have in their sunduks and what
was painted on them. The candle
sticks and ram’s horn on this
design are typical decorations for
the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashana
(New Year).
Silk Berat Codex Scarf – the
pattern of this scarf was inspired
by a richly decorated manuscript
from the 12th century, the Berat
Codex. It is one of 119
Byzantine and Post Byzantine
books or fragments of books,
covering a historical period from
the 6th to the end of the 19th
century, which are kept in safe
conditions in the Albanian State Archive, where only scholars may see it. This
Berat Codex silk scarf lets the world see the everlasting beauty of the manuscript
by an anonymous artist. It also tells the story of how this precious book was
saved in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Albania, during the times of
turmoils and invasions. It preserves and promotes one of the Cultural Treasures
of Albania.

3. Silk Mirdita Scarf - the pattern of this
scarf was inspired by a traditional bridal
coat from the Albanian mountain district,
Mirdita. This richly embroidered thick felt
coat is no longer worn by modern
Albanians, but this Mirdita silk scarf
conveys the ingenious beauty of the
coat, preserving and promoting the
cultural heritage of the Albanian people.
David stars scarf - the design on this
scarf was inspired by an Albanian folk
costume with a Star of David
embroidered on it. The scarf signifies
centuries of friendly relations between
Albanians and Jews.
Silk Scarf from the South (Chameria) -
the pattern of this scarf was inspired by a
traditional dress from the south of Albania.
The rich embroidery with golden thread on
deep purple and deep green velvet is
typical of the crafts flourishing in Albania in
the 19th century. This silk scarf conveys
the beauty of the dress, preserves and
recycles it for new generations as a classic
and timeless accessory.

4. Notes to Editors:
• The British Museum Online shop: www.britishmuseumshoponline.org
• Reader enquiries telephone the British Museum’s Grenville Room shop: 0203 073
4998
• The British Museum Company runs the British Museum Shops, both online and at several
locations in the British Museum. These include the new Book Shop stocking publications
by British Museum Press and other major publishers, situated in the Great Court; the
Grenville Room, a showcase for the finest and most exclusive products available at the
Museum; the new World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre shop (WCEC), a brand new
contemporary space dedicated to retailing supporting products for the exhibitions in the
new WCEC; the Great Court Gift Shops; the Collections Shops; as well as the shop in
Room 35 which is dedicated to presenting exclusive products related to the temporary
exhibitions on display. The British Museum Company produce bespoke products as well as
sourcing quality crafts, jewellery, fashion accessories and home wares that complement
the world collections of the British Museum.
• The British Museum’s Grenville Room shop is the flagship showroom of the finest retail
collections on sale. This destination shop is world famous. Contact: 0203 073 4998.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
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