Seasonal Musings from the Selvedge Team - James Hayward, Partnerships Manager

Celebrating Handmade Heritage

As the year comes to a close and we prepare to step into 2025, I’m reflecting on the remarkable relationship between Selvedge and the artisans who form the heart of our community. It is a relationship rooted in respect, passion, and a shared mission to preserve the rich heritage of handcrafting traditions and ensure their relevance for future generations.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with rural artisans to create products for some of Britain’s most iconic heritage brands. These partnerships were built on well-intentioned goals—to connect the unique skills of rural communities with markets that could value and sustain their craftsmanship. However, too often, the potential for these collaborations to deliver long-term economic independence has been overshadowed by profit taking precedence over people and the planet. The commercial pressures of bringing artisanal goods to market on a large scale have frequently curtailed the impact these partnerships could achieve.

For example, a collaboration I facilitated with a bamboo and willow weaving community in rural West Bengal resulted in stunning products but faced insurmountable challenges due to the retail partners’ commercial priorities.

This tension is why I am so inspired by Selvedge. As we approach Selvedge’s 22 nd year, I recently joined the team with a focus on developing long-term partnerships that will enable Selvedge to continue its vital mission. At its core, Selvedge exists to archive the rich heritage of textiles while championing the individuals and communities that weave culture into their handmade goods. Selvedge’s dedication to supporting these communities and defending the cultural significance of textiles—both historically and in today’s world—motivates me to ensure we have the economic strength to sustain this mission for decades to come.

To achieve this, we rely on the support of our subscribers, wholesale stockists, editorial collaborators, and event partners. Together, as a community, we can preserve generational handcrafting skills and sustainable practices. These methods produce naturally processed, long-lasting goods that stand as an antidote to the wastefulness of mass consumerism and its negative impact on individuals, communities, and the planet.

Our collective mission is to educate future generations about the value of creating beautiful, durable products that positively impact people and the planet. By connecting artisans and building a network of like-minded individuals and organisations, we can foster an environment where craftsmanship is celebrated and economic independence for artisans is prioritised. It is a vision where the preservation of cultural and generational skills goes hand in hand with creating meaningful livelihoods.

At Selvedge, I’m excited to contribute to partnerships that emphasise community and craft over commercial gain. These partnerships are rooted in passion and authenticity, celebrating the cultural significance of artisans and their creations. Let’s join together to support rural artisans and demonstrate that there is a way to meet the needs of communities while safeguarding their cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

As we look ahead to the new year, I invite you to join us in this mission. Subscribe, partner, and connect with us as we continue to shine a light on the extraordinary people and traditions that make the Selvedge community so unique. Together, we can build a future where artistry, community, and sustainability thrive hand in hand.

James Hayward
Partnerships Manager, Selvedge Magazine