About Us

The Textile 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 Textile Society gives support to students, designers, historians and practitioners through its educational and professional awards.

The Society’s journal Text  is published annually. Members receive Text and issues of the Society’s News each year with articles, information, news and exhibitions. In addition, members have access to an annual programme of events.

The Textile Society raises funds through its Antique and Vintage Textile Fairs (AVTF). The Manchester Antique and Vintage Textile Fair has been a key event in the textile collecting calendar for over 20 years. This has been supplemented in recent years by the London Antique and Vintage Textile Fair. All proceeds help fund the Society’s awards, bursaries and activities, including specialist study days, group visits, a biennial research symposium and an annual conference with a changing theme.