The Textile Society

"The Textile Society is a unique forum for textile professionals and enthusiasts. The Society promotes the study of textile disciplines and celebrates the history and culture of textiles, both traditional and contemporary.

Established in 1982 as an educational charity, the Society gives support to students, designers, historians and practitioners though its educational and professional awards.

The Society's Journal, TEXT is published annually. In addition, members receive three Newsletters a year with up to date news, events and exhibitions.

Funds are raised by Antique Textile Fairs (ATF). The Manchester fair has been a key event in the textile collecting community's calendar for 20 years. This has been supplimented in recent years by a London fair. All proceeds help fund the Society's awards, bursaries and social activities including specialist study days, group visits and a yearly themed conference.

The Collectors Group - an enthusiastic section of the Society - meets regularly to view private and behind-the-scenes public collections and to share skills and expertise."