A new touring exhibition that explores the relationship between Gujarat, Mumbai and Britain over four centuries opens in Leicester this weekend.

‘India’s Gateway: Gujarat, Mumbai and Britain’ opens at New Walk Museum from Saturday (17 Oct) for four months.

The exhibition features photographs and film shot in India by UK photographer Tim Smith and Indian film-makers Amit Madheshiya and Shirley Abraham.

It weaves together photographs and film with personal stories to explore the history of Gujarat and Mumbai as centres of trade and migration and the lives and experience of Gujarati communities today.

The exhibition is a national touring show organised by Oriental Arts and Tim Smith, which will also visit London, Lancashire and Yorkshire, It is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Sponsorship has also been provided by Yorkshire-based restaurant Prashad.

Photographer Tim Smith said: “From food, film and fashion to trade and industry, interest in India is booming, and Gujarat and Mumbai are leading the way.

“The exhibition is inspired by the region’s vibration mix of cultures, and how that mix has been shaped by a rich history of trade, seafaring, migration and its close connections with Britain.

“It’s been fantastic to work with many different communities, here and in India, and lots of people have contributed their ideas and stories.”

The city council’s museums service has been working with local communities to add an extra dimension to the exhibition.

‘Leicester Perspectives on Gujarat’ collects objects, photos and artwork from local people that will exhibited alongside the touring show.

Cllr Piara Singh Clair, Assistant City Mayor for culture heritage and sport, said: “This fascinating touring exhibition has been given a unique local perspective thanks to the community volunteers who have been working with our museums teams.”