Frontline Christmas Fair
Public Welcome 1pm-5pm
Members & By Invitation Only 6pm-10.30pm
“Wherever I am travelling, I buy scarves. In many countries, textiles provide a
vital income for women. I am delighted that this Christmas the Frontline Club will
be showcasing handicrafts from countries which should be associated not only
with war, but also with their glorious cultural heritage.” – Lindsey Hilsum –
Channel 4 News International Editor & Advisory Board Member of the
Frontline Club
The Frontline Club is a gathering place for journalists, photographers and other
likeminded people interested in international affairs. It champions independent
journalism and freedom of speech and campaigns for the protection of press
freedom and the safety of freelancers around the globe.
This year it has chosen to hold a Christmas Fair alongside its annual drinks
party on 9 th December 2021 with a selection of charities and enterprises that
sell handcrafted items from many of the countries that Frontline Club members
report from and work in.
Care a lot. Give a little.
Support artisans from Asia, Africa and the Middle East and make a
difference to families in the places behind the headlines, as well as help
fundraise for The Frontline Club Charity.
“Artisans keep culture alive in places torn by conflict. Help them keep telling a
different story,” – Lyse Doucet – the BBC’s Chief International
Correspondent & Advisory Board Member of the Frontline Club
There will be products ranging from glass baubles from the Holy Land, Ottoman
silks, Egyptian leatherwork fashioned by women in Cairo’s City of the Dead,
Afghan and Pakistani jewellery, homeware inspired by the Mughal court,
cushions stitched by Syrian refugees and much more!
WHO WE ARE
A group of vendors that have previously collaborated with Leighton House
Museum and the Aga Khan Centre, this Christmas we are partnering with the
Frontline Club which presents a great location as well as the kind of well-
travelled, socially minded crowd to which our products should appeal.
Bethlehem Baubles partners with Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (BFTA) who
work closely with Muslim and Christian communities at an individual level to
produce hand-decorated glass baubles that make unique gifts from the heart of
the Holy Land.
Ishkar helps craft thrive in challenging contexts. Its clothing, jewellery and
homeware has been handcrafted in places that are, or have been, affected by
conflict or political turbulence. By supporting these artisans Ishkar aims to bring
vitality to our shared global heritage, change one-sided narratives and create
economic opportunities where they are desperately needed.
MISHKĀ produces beautiful leatherware handcrafted by women living among
Cairo’s historic Mamluk monuments in the “City of the Dead”, using traditional
techniques and the finest natural materials. Training and design support by
designers, including leather designer Bill Amberg and jewellery maker, Tania
Clarke Hall, provides the women with the skills to produce these products,
which are sold for the benefit of their families and themselves.
Nimuri sells homeware made by Pakistani artisans, supporting heritage craft
skills and creating beautiful and unique products that tell a story about the
country’s rich artisanal history. It sources from small family-run enterprises,
charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Ottoman Silks reproduces fabrics from the illustrious Ottoman Empire. The
collection comprises of six elegant designs that were originally commissioned
and worn by the Ottoman Sultans and their royal court. Its exclusive range of
kaftans, waistcoats and accessories is unique in its combination of heritage and
contemporary designs and has been made to the highest standard.
Sabbara is a small social enterprise selling cushions, bags and shawls
embroidered by displaced Syrian women. Many have lost their husbands and
are now caring for their children without support, often with low levels of literacy
and no skills with which to earn a living. Half are displaced within Syria, and
trying to survive in a country devastated by ten years of war. The rest are in
neighbouring Lebanon, where 99% of refugees live below the poverty line.
S Jo draws inspiration from traditional textile techniques to produce original
accessories handcrafted by artisans, mainly female, in Pakistani villages. Its
signature jewellery collections value each individual craft woman’s creativity,
provide opportunities for fair income and a creative space for artisans to
develop their craft practice.
For further information, images or interviews with the stallholders, please
contact: Eleanor Khan on +44 (0)750 1839210 or Cathy
Giangrande +44 (0)778 9991411
