Selvedge

The Magazine

At the heart of the Selvedge story is a cerebral and sensual addiction to cloth and with that an appreciation of the beautifully made and carefully considered.  Having been drawn to textiles since childhood, Polly Leonard studied embroidery and weaving and taught textiles for ten years.  Frustrated at the lack of infrastructure to support talented artisans and the wider community of enthusiasts, Polly took a leap of faith in April 2004 and created the magazine she wanted to read – Selvedge. Today Selvedge is still exploring and understanding the history, future, politics and aesthetics of textiles with its own distinct voice.

Since its launch Selvedge has become much more than a magazine. As well as a  valuable source of inspiration  for designers and devotees alike, the Selvedge brand has flourished not only into a spring board for makers and artisans but a strong community of textile lovers, with workshops, fairs and its own store.

As a publication we broaden our own horizons and fall more in love with textiles with every issue. Because we believe that the most interesting and evocative textile stories deserve to be shown in the best possible light, we work to ensure that every page is as carefully considered and beautiful as the textile stories within it.

The Drygoods collection 

What began as a small collection of textiles and designers we couldn’t resist has grown into a haven of rarified textiles and esoteric treasures. Behind every item – whether a handmade candle or antique table linen – is a strict criteria… does this piece have its own distinct character and story? Does it say something, whether that be its origin or evolution from idea to craftsman, that isn’t being said anywhere else? And above all, is it the best example of its type. The Selvedge store is exclusive, you won’t find a collection as sensitively curated anywhere else – it is for anyone who truly appreciates the beautifully made and carefully considered.

Find us at our North London home – 162 Archway Road N6 5BB.

Artisan Emporium 

Nurturing the designers and makers who inspire us is crucial to the Selvedge ethos – they are as much a part of our story as we are theirs. To that end Selvedge has established its own Artisan Emporium, showcasing, supporting and selling the most thoughtful, intelligent and beautiful things in the world of textiles. We support our Artisans in what ever way we can with coverage in the magazine as well as making their products available through our website, because we believe their work is important and deserves a discerning platform to enable then to reach an appreciative audience.

Events

“You can go anywhere in the world and as long as you’re with people who love textiles – you are in some way at home.” – Polly Leonard

From  week long workshops in the South of France to half day guided tours through otherwise unseen textile archives, Selvedge events form a huge part of the Selvedge community. Time and time again we hear how people have left a Selvedge event or workshop feeling not only more inspired than when they arrived but that they have made new and lasting friendships with other participants.

Fairs

Nurturing and promoting the designers and makers who inspire us is crucial to the Selvedge ethos – they are as much a part of our story as we are theirs – without them Selvedge would not exist. The Selvedge Fairs are not only for the designers and makers behind the things we love, they are for the Selvedge readers and community. A literal meeting point for conversation, appreciation and of course the joys of acquiring your very own collection of beautifully made wares.