India and the Far East
Her marriage to an Englishman took place one year before the war. Together, the young couple travelled to the Far East through Shanghai, Calcutta and Hong Kong. This inspirational period in Gerd’s life would leave a deep mark on her future work. In China, Gerd had learnt to weave on local looms with hand-twisted yarns and had carried out extensive research on Chinese design.
In Calcutta she was tasked with the design and production of 22 hand-woven rugs commissioned by the Palace of the Maharajah of Gwalior. These wonderful experiences and influences would remain with Gerd throughout her career.