Fabric

‘Subtle, compendious and rich … an emotive and serious work of what you might call history on the distaff side’ - Sunday Times

‘Enthralling and sumptuously spun narrative history of how and why people around the world have made, used and worn different kinds of fabric. Beginning her research shortly after the death of her parents, Finlay finds her own story of love and grief entwined in the threads too, making for a fine blend indeed’ - Caroline Sanderson, Non-Fiction Editor’s Choice for November

‘Equally an inspiration and an education’ - Daily Mail

‘At a moment when alarming statistics regarding textile waste have triggered calls for sustainability within the fashion industry, Finlay takes the reader on a journey of personal discovery that spans the breadth of the globe over the course of centuries … with deft cultural consciousness. Part historical survey, part memoir and part travelogue, “Fabric” follows Finlay as she discovers the secrets behind each material’s history with such wonderment - such reverence - that one cannot help believing in the “hidden magic” she insists is spun into each fibre. Like a skilled weaver, she takes many disparate threads and constructs a compelling narrative as informative as it is emotionally engaging. These moments - where fabric is given life through worn experience are … fascinating [and] Victoria Finlay gives them their due’ - Raissa Bretana, Fashion Historian

‘Poetically profound’ - Sheila Hicks

Victoria Finlay is the critically acclaimed author of Colour - Travels Through the Paintbox. She is the former arts editor of the South China Morning Post. Finlay studied social anthropology and has travelled the world in search of stories about her subjects, including colour, jewels, and fabric. In addition to her writing, she has also worked in international development.

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