Issue 32 Altitude (Digital only)

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK everyone who has made the journey up to Highgate to visit our shop. We love meeting our readers and talking to you about the talented artists we have featured in the magazine over the years. As well as a shop, 162 Archway Road is where we put the magazine together and as such I cannot always guarantee to be available whenever you drop by. If you are making a special journey and would like to talk, do call ahead and let us know so we can arrange to make you feel welcome.

It is exciting to greet a new decade. Although Selvedge was not even an idea ten years ago it has certainly changed my life over the last decade. It is interesting to reflect how our lives might change over the next ten years. A new generation of artists and designers will create work destined to enrich our lives. To celebrate the turning of the decade we asked ten of our friends, what would be left in their lives if they eliminated all non-essentials. What remained is a collection of the timeless, the simple, special and, above all, personal textiles.

One of the things we are hoping for in 2010 is greater economic stability and, with that in mind, would like to thank the readers and advertisers who have continued to support the magazine during recent turmoil. In this issue we look back to a time when resources were scarce and women made the most of what they had, for themselves and others. It’s worth remembering the brave and stalwart Land Girls in their corduroy breeches, tending the fields and those who embroidered maps for British airmen and maintained morale by stitching in the Anderson shelters.

There is a real fascination for this period in our history as demonstrated by the re-enactors, who recreate the clothing of the period in minute detail. We also touch on other companies who have stood the test of time such as Smedley, while in Bespoke Living, we offer a glimpse into the life of tailor Timothy Everest who produces garments that are future classics. Everest is the first of many gentlemen in this issue; Men of the Cloth, introduces Ian Batten, Guy Hills and other talented men with a real passion for cloth. We hope to see you in 2010...

Polly Leonard, Founder