A spectacular feast of colour, which united artists from two countries, is returning to Southend to delight residents once again.

Hundreds of onlookers watched as the 22 Silk River scrolls left Southend Pier aboard the Waverley five months ago.

Now the 22 scrolls have just returned from India where they were exhibited at the spectacular Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata.

Now safely back in Southend, they will be exhibited at the Beecroft Art Gallery from March 2 to 31.

The ambitious Silk River project explored the unique relationship between London and Kolkata through artistic exchange between communities along the Thames Estuary and India’s Hooghly River.

A total of 192 artists, based along the Thames and Hooghly rivers, collaborated to design and create the stunning colourful scrolls, each depicting a unique perspective of each location.

The Southend scroll features images of Old Leigh Studios, a cockle fisherman, the Endeavour and Chalkwell Hall, accompanied by references to the Hindu association.

Each location along the Thames was twinned with a location along the Hooghly. Southend was matched with Krishnanagar, as both locations host large communities of artists.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “The Silk River project has been a real journey of discovery for all those involved, educating us all on the importance of the relationship between London and Kolkata.

“In Southend, we hosted a large number of events to celebrate our 125th year as a borough, and to finish the year off with the finale of the Silk River Project is something we are immensely proud of.

Mrs Holland added: “Seeing the true beauty of the art which is incorporated in these scrolls is magnificent, and for those who are yet to see them in person, I urge you to visit the Beecroft Art Gallery whilst the exhibition is there and marvel at the wonders of local artists.”

The silk used to make the banners is a special high grade of hand-woven cloth that, under the guidance of the Crafts Council of West Bengal, was woven on looms that had not been used in recent memory. The silk thread originates from an area north of Kolkata called Murshidabad.

Alan Gemmell, director of British Council India said: “Silk River has threaded communities and craftsmanship along the rivers Hooghly and the Thames, creating curiosity about the rivers, the people and their culture – achieving exactly what the Year of Culture between UK and India set out to do. The project connects, inspires and celebrates the two countries in a unique way”

Entry to the exhibition is free, as it has been organised by Southend Council. The Beecroft Gallery in Victoria Avenue, is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm and admission is free.