Five Minutes with a Friend: Terry Macey
Terry Macey is a family business run by Angelika and Terry Macey, based in the heart of Somerset. Regular exhibitors at our annual textile fairs, they will join us at this year’s Selvedge Makers’ Fair in Bath on 21 September 2024 and the Selvedge Winter Fair on 30 November 2024. We spoke with Angelika and Terry about their family business, its origins, and their careers in textiles.
What is your first memory of a textile?
Angelika: My earliest memory of textiles is from when I was five years old. My grandparents gave me a German dirndl to wear. I was fascinated by its beautiful lining and the little apron that was part of it. I proudly wore it to parties until I outgrew it.
Image courtesy of Terry and Angelika Macey. Image above: portrait of Terry and Angelika Macey by Alun Callender.
Can you describe what you love about textiles?
Textiles are integral to everyone’s life, and there is a unique fascination with their infinite uses—from high ceremonial gowns to simple dishcloths, each serving a unique purpose, and each being carefully designed and created.
If you make textiles, where is your most inspiring space/place to create?
Our showroom is one of our favourite places to work and sell. Surrounded by our pattern blocks, a fascinating range of fabrics, and our fullest collection of clothes, it serves as our inspiration headquarters.
We also love exhibiting at The Contemporary Craft Fair in Bovey Tracey, Devon, Made London with Tutton and Young, and Handmade in Britain at Chelsea Town Hall. We hire a gallery in Mayfair twice a year to invite our London clients and make an annual pilgrimage to Edinburgh’s Dovecote Studios to see our amazing Scottish customers.
Our studio and home are near the edge of the Glastonbury Festival site. Each year, the explosion of live music, theatre, and vibrant energy attracts wonderfully interesting and colourful people. We cherish this diverse community.
Image courtesy of Terry and Angelika Macey.
What has inspired you recently?
On our annual drive to exhibit in Scotland, we are continually inspired by the landscapes and colours of the northern British Isles. Our subsequent collections are imbued with the dark mauve hues of the hills, purples of heather, jewel-green mosses, and the vibrant oranges of lichen on the stone walls.
Where did you learn your craft?
We have been in business for over 33 years, and our craft is self-taught after studying and working in other areas of design. Years of travel and a love of both traditional and contemporary textiles have guided us.
About 10 years ago, we discovered our current studio, a Methodist chapel in Glastonbury. Renovating this fascinating building gave us room for our cutting tables, sewing machines, and an impressive showroom where we meet clients for fittings and appointments.
Can you tell us something about one of your loyal customers?
One of our loyal customers is Penny Steiner. She has been with us for over 30 years, starting in London during her high-profile hospitality career. Penny is deeply involved in the local community, working closely with councils and fundraising. She is a great fan of our clothes and always looks stunning in them.
Image courtesy of Terry and Angelika Macey.
Find out more and follow Terry Macey:
wwww.terrymacey.com
@terrymaceyclothing
The Selvedge Makers' Fair will take place at The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down, Bath on Saturday 21 September 2024. Find out more and plan your visit here.
The Selvedge Winter Fair will take place at St Mary's Church, Wyndham Place, York St, London on Saturday 30 November 2024. Find out more and plan your visit here.
What is your first memory of a textile?
Angelika: My earliest memory of textiles is from when I was five years old. My grandparents gave me a German dirndl to wear. I was fascinated by its beautiful lining and the little apron that was part of it. I proudly wore it to parties until I outgrew it.
Can you describe what you love about textiles?
Textiles are integral to everyone’s life, and there is a unique fascination with their infinite uses—from high ceremonial gowns to simple dishcloths, each serving a unique purpose, and each being carefully designed and created.
If you make textiles, where is your most inspiring space/place to create?
Our showroom is one of our favourite places to work and sell. Surrounded by our pattern blocks, a fascinating range of fabrics, and our fullest collection of clothes, it serves as our inspiration headquarters.
We also love exhibiting at The Contemporary Craft Fair in Bovey Tracey, Devon, Made London with Tutton and Young, and Handmade in Britain at Chelsea Town Hall. We hire a gallery in Mayfair twice a year to invite our London clients and make an annual pilgrimage to Edinburgh’s Dovecote Studios to see our amazing Scottish customers.
Our studio and home are near the edge of the Glastonbury Festival site. Each year, the explosion of live music, theatre, and vibrant energy attracts wonderfully interesting and colourful people. We cherish this diverse community.
What has inspired you recently?
On our annual drive to exhibit in Scotland, we are continually inspired by the landscapes and colours of the northern British Isles. Our subsequent collections are imbued with the dark mauve hues of the hills, purples of heather, jewel-green mosses, and the vibrant oranges of lichen on the stone walls.
Where did you learn your craft?
We have been in business for over 33 years, and our craft is self-taught after studying and working in other areas of design. Years of travel and a love of both traditional and contemporary textiles have guided us.
About 10 years ago, we discovered our current studio, a Methodist chapel in Glastonbury. Renovating this fascinating building gave us room for our cutting tables, sewing machines, and an impressive showroom where we meet clients for fittings and appointments.
Can you tell us something about one of your loyal customers?
One of our loyal customers is Penny Steiner. She has been with us for over 30 years, starting in London during her high-profile hospitality career. Penny is deeply involved in the local community, working closely with councils and fundraising. She is a great fan of our clothes and always looks stunning in them.
Find out more and follow Terry Macey:
wwww.terrymacey.com
@terrymaceyclothing
The Selvedge Makers' Fair will take place at The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down, Bath on Saturday 21 September 2024. Find out more and plan your visit here.
The Selvedge Winter Fair will take place at St Mary's Church, Wyndham Place, York St, London on Saturday 30 November 2024. Find out more and plan your visit here.