Kerry Maguire King received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology (Clothing and Textiles) in 1990. Later, she embarked on graduate work in the textile field and earned her Master’s of Arts degree from the University of Alberta in 1995. As a graduate student, King studied West African textile design techniques and Sub-Saharan African designs. Her thesis, Starch paste and indigo dye: Subsaharan African inspired contemporary textile designs, is available through the University of Alberta Libraries.

Kerry King's research project took her to Kenya where she could observe traditional African textiles and learn about starch paste and indigo dying techniques first hand. She was accompanied by her academic supervisor, Dr. Marlene Cox-Bishop. Together, they “navigated the streets and kiosks of Nairobi” (1) and acquired many objects for the Anne Lambert Clothing and Textiles Collection. These objects include complete Maasai men’s and women’s outfits and bead work accessories purchased at a gas station and the small-town market place in Rift Valley Province, South Kenya (2). In her thesis, King reflected on her research trip and described the whole experience as “invaluable and enlightening” (1).

Three Kenyan kanga (1994.2.17, 1994.2.21, and 1994.2.22) displayed in this online exhibition were also purchased and brought to Canada by King.