From Asia to the UK: The Journey of Textiles and the Merchants Who Trade Them
Just over forty years ago, Jim and Diane Gaffney returned from their travels in Indonesia and Thailand with a couple of suitcases full of South East Asian textiles, and a vague plan to sell their wares at local markets and antiques fairs. Little did they know that they were embarking on a journey that would see them becoming trusted textile merchants, UK textile experts, and eventually shop owners—a legacy that is now being continued by the next generation, Sean and Olli.
Building a Legacy as Trusted Textile Merchants UK
What began as a bit of a leap of faith has grown into something much more: a bridge between artisans in Asia and textile lovers in the UK. Over the past four decades, Jim and Di have travelled regularly to South East Asia—returning many times to Indonesia and Thailand, but also exploring China and the Silk Road—to seek out unique fabrics, tools, and decorative pieces that carry stories. Much of our collection at Textile Traders is made up of handwoven textiles, hand-dyed indigo, batiks made with traditional tools, and ikat from skilled weavers. Alongside these unique artisan fabrics, we also stock carefully selected mass-produced indigo prints—versatile, durable fabrics that sit beautifully alongside the handmade ranges.
Commitment to Ethics and Authenticity
What sets Textile Traders apart is this commitment to ethics and authenticity. Sean and Olli continue to build on the strong, lasting relationships that Jim and Diane nurtured over the past four decades with artists, dye masters, and small workshops. As a team, we make frequent trips to witness first-hand how fabrics are made—watching natural dyes being sourced and applied, seeing looms being worked, meeting dyers using locally grown or gathered materials, and ensuring conditions are fair.
Preserving Traditional Techniques
Our passion for traditional textiles like batik, indigo, and ikat runs deep, so much so that we go one step further than sourcing finished fabrics, and bring the tools, dyes, and materials needed for batik to the UK. Whether someone is a beginner or an advanced textile artist, our kits, dyes, and equipment make it possible to explore and preserve these ancient techniques at home or in workshops.
Explore our range of batik tools and materials
A Diverse Collection for Creative Makers
Today, Textile Traders offers more than just fabrics:
- Handmade fabrics by the metre or in fat quarter sets, from plain hemp to contemporary batiks and traditional ikat.
- Tools, supplies, and kits to create your own batiks or hand-dyed projects.
- Accessories and decorative items including beads, jewellery, scarves, hill tribe silver, and bags, all made by hand in Thailand and Indonesia.
We try to make sure that there’s something for everyone - from collectors and makers, to designers and craft enthusiasts!
What Next For These Textile Merchants?
From those first humble suitcases of batik and ikat to a thriving online store and events across the UK, Textile Traders exists because of our belief that as textile merchants, we have a responsibility not just to sell, but to help to preserve, share and sustain traditional practices which are at risk of dying out. When you buy a metre of Hill Tribe indigo or handwoven hemp fabric, you’re investing in keeping these cottage industries going, sustaining a way life and ensuring there is still a demand for handwoven textiles.
Whilst Jim and Diane are enjoying their retirement from the day-to-day running of the business, we’re grateful for their ongoing support, and you may see them pop up at shows now and again under a different guise - after all, once a textile trader, always a textile trader!
