SELVEDGE TALKS TO ANNALOOM
With the Edinburgh fair fast approaching, Selvedge speaks to Anna-Louise Meynell, founder of hand-crafted textiles brand Annaloom, who will be exhibiting on the day...
What made you start working with textiles?
I am lucky to have always had a clear path in textiles. I experimented with batik, tie-dye and dressmaking as a teenager, and specialised in textiles at art school.
What is it about textiles that captured your attention?
Textures, construction, colour and pattern. I have always loved the functional yet creative aspect of textiles.
Who inspires you?
At the top of my long list would be traditional artisans. I am in awe of their skill, dedication and creativity.
What is your favourite part of your process?
I feel very privileged to have textiles as a gateway through which to meet and develop relationships with weavers in Asia. I enjoy the challenge of bringing a product created in the most remote villages in Asia to the UK market.
Where do you live and why have you chosen to be here?
I currently live between North East Scotland and North East India. My textile consultancy projects, my PhD research and my Annaloom producers take me to many places, but this combination is what seems to settle well.
What’s your ideal Sunday?
I love walking and will use Sunday as an excuse to stretch the legs. I often take my camera out for a walk to remind myself of the inspiring surroundings I find myself in.
If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow where would you go and why?
Tricky question. I travel so much that I often crave the peace of being stationary. My current PhD research has informed me of the wonderful culture of indigo dying of wild silks in Nigeria and Mali. I have never been to Africa so this has to be on my list.
What’s your favourite colour?
Indigo blue, deep turmeric yellow, or teal.
What are you reading at the moment?
I have so much to read for my PhD, it's a very long list. I am currently reading about the Khasi cultural resistance to change, at the time of the British missionaries arrival in Meghalaya, North East India.
To find our more about the Selvedge Edinburgh Fair this August 19th, click here.