News

The balance between environment and economy is a delicate one, but in Madagascar, a program has been developed that hopes to respect both. Conservation through Poverty Alleviation International has designed a unique program that supports native ecosystems and engages communities in forest protection, allowing rural farmers to earn a living that supports the ecosystem that underpins their livelihood.  CPALI provides training on how to farm or sustainably collect silk cocoons. Farmers learn how to slice open the cocoons and remove the pupae, which they protect until the pupae metamorphose into moths. Unlike the silk textiles, most of us are familiar...

The colour white has many different connotations the world over from representing notions of purity at western weddings, to the act of mourning in the east. White also has a special significance in the world of craft – especially in Chinese ceramics through the art of Dehua porcelain. Having been in existence since as far back as the Ming dynasty, Dehua is also widely known as Blanc de Chine throughout much of the western world. It began to arrive in Europe in large quantities from the 18th century and was manufactured throughout the continent in many places, including Germany’s town...

‘Sustainability’ and ‘longevity’ are not the sole preserve of hip London designers – far from it. Master weaver Stuart Holding has been sourcing natural fibres, designing and weaving cotton pieces with an emphasis on longevity since 1998.   Based in the seaside town Plettenberg Bay in South Africa, Mungo uses cotton, wool and mohair that is grown and produced in South Africa. They design, weave and finish linen throws, blankets, bedding, towels and apparel.   Furthermore we are especially keen on their weaving methods; with their own warping equipment, newly restored Ruti and rapier looms, they are able to weave...