Issue 70 Delicate (digital only)

Please note this issue is only available digitally 

May/June 2016

"SILK IS PRODUCED BY MANY INSECTS, but generally the silk used for textile manufacturing is produced by the Bombyx mori moth whilst a caterpillar. Ironically the silk moth, which is responsible for the production of some of the world’s most precious fabrics, is closely related to Tineola Bisselliella, the clothes moth that can wreak havoc on our most treasured fibres and forms the biggest threat to textile collections worldwide. In this issue Eirlys Penn investigates how museums are protecting their collections. However, even with the best will in the world it is easy to fall victim to the tirade of the clothes moth at home and you may have to resort to repair, which is by no means a disaster. Joan Gormanno creates charming patches to cover moth holes in your favourite cashmere. We also look at the history of darning, from the exquisite samples produced by the student teachers at Whitelands College, to the Japanese art of boro – worn, torn and old patched clothes and textiles which have recently become highly desirable works of art. Kuon is a contemporary fashion brand who translate the boro aesthetic and philosophy into contemporary pieces. Tim Parry-Williams, expert on Japanese textiles and guest editor for this issue, explores what is on offer in the weaving town Fuji-Yoshida.

Tallenna