Issue 26 Gold

WHEN THE MAGI TRAVELLED TO CELEBRATE the birth of Jesus they brought tributes of gold, frankincense and myrrh. While the latter archaic gifts bewilder generation after generation of children who, costumed in old brocade curtains and paper crowns, solemnly proclaim: “We bring you gold, frankenstein and mirth,” the value of gold is timeless and rarely misunderstood.This issue we celebrate its use in precious textiles, from the rich silks and brocades woven at the Gainsborough Silk Weaving Mill in Suffolk,to their ceremonial use in the court of the teenage Tsar Peter I. Of course the spirit of Christmas does not lie in riches and the giving of gifts. The most precious things we have are those that money can't buy. Mine is the privilege to spend my days doing something I truly love. I have been honoured over the last five years to be able to pursue a passion for textiles and to work with an inspiring team. Their energy and commitment make me proud. As the magazine approaches its fifth birthday, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the formation of what I truly believe to be a much loved publication. I would like to thank our loyal readers, many of whom have been with us since our very first issue and invite you all to join me in celebrating the magazine's birthday at a festive afternoon at Burgh House in Hampstead. We are delighted to reach this landmark issue but we are not resting on our laurels, in fact we are in the midst of a building programme, which will provide much-needed larger office space in the New Year. We are also re-launching our object range. When the Selvedge object range began,the idea was a simple one, to support makers while helping readers to source the beautiful textiles

featured in the magazine. Two years later, overwhelming demand has transformed this simple service into a range of over 500 items. It has become evident that our ad hoc working title for the catalogue ‘Selvedge Objects’ is no longer adequate. These are not just any objects, ‘Selvedge Dry Goods’, are textile related products, and the finest examples of their kind.We will be taking a much-needed break over the Christmas period and your next issue will be with you at the beginning of February with some new features and our annual writing and illustration competitions. In the meantime have a warm and wonderful holiday season...