Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Centre

Last Saturday, we spent a very “artistic” time at the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Centre.

The Wissa Wassef Art centre on the Saqquara-Harrania highway is a centre for weaving, batik and ceramics. It is a place where creativity is given a free rein and individuality and uniqueness encouraged. The weavers here do not work from any pattern or design – the design is “in their head” and therefore no two tapestries at the centre can be the same. A welcome diversion from the prevalent norm of mass production and imitation.

The centre was started in 1951 by Ramses Wissa Wassef, an architect and designer as an “experiment in creativity” with around 12 children weavers. To read more about Ramses Wissa Wassef, follow the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramses_Wissa_Wassef

On our visit to the centre, we were able to watch the weavers at work-it was a joy watching them weave magic with their nimble fingers. Depending on the intricacies of the design and the size, a tapestry can take upto one month to finish. In fact, a tapestry on display had taken a year to complete; it was not up for sale though. Only passion for the craft and abundant patience can lead to such beautiful pieces of art. The weavers are paid daily while they are working on a tapestry and a lumpsum when they have finished a piece. Their earnings are not contingent on their piece being sold; also they are freed from the hassle of “marketing” their craft since the centre takes care of this aspect. The Wissa Wassef centre regularly participates in overseas exhibitions and fairs and has participated in more than 120 exhibitions to date.

The pottery and ceramics division was added by Susan Wissa Wassef, daughter of Ramses Wissa Wassef and all the pieces on sale at the centre are designed by her. Some of the shapes are really interesting and the pieces utilitarian. We picked up a couple of pottery pieces and will definitely be returning to buy a tapestry. The tapestries and the pottery on sale at the centre are by no means easy on the pocket. But once you have actually seen the weavers and potters at work, it is easier to appreciate the high prices. Beautiful cusion covers and tablecloths in batik work are also available at the centre.

In case you are planning to visit the centre, it might be a good idea to call ahead and ensure that the weavers and the potters will be at work when you get there. You can get more information from the center’s website http://www.wissa-wassef-arts.com/intro.htm