From Conversation to Collaboration with Tank
Our relationship with TANK began through a series of conversations with TANK founder and editor-in-chief Caroline Issa. What started as a shared interest in craftsmanship, culture and the preservation of traditional knowledge gradually evolved into something much more meaningful.
Over the course of many months, these conversations explored the role of artisanship in a rapidly changing world, the importance of cultural exchange and the value of creating objects that carry both meaning and story. Those discussions ultimately became the foundation for In Their Hands, a collaborative series celebrating the people, traditions and materials that continue to shape contemporary craft.
The first chapter of the series was created with Caroline Issa and presented at the TANK Gallery in London. At the centre of the exhibition was Object 20, a limited-edition brooch developed through an ongoing dialogue around symbolism, materiality and personal adornment.
For Caroline, the piece held particular significance. Combining buffalo horn, shell and a pin fastening, the brooch draws upon materials that have long carried cultural and symbolic meaning. Worn close to the body, it can be understood as both an object of adornment and a contemporary talisman, a gesture towards protection, memory and connection. The result was an object that reflected not only the values of TextileSeekers, but also Caroline’s own appreciation for craftsmanship and the stories embedded within materials.
The evening brought together guests who share a belief in the importance of preserving artisanal knowledge and celebrating the communities that continue to sustain it. It was a fitting beginning for a collaboration built on curiosity, respect and a shared commitment to cultural preservation.
The story came full circle when TextileSeekers was later featured in TANK’s travel edition. The feature offered readers a glimpse into the journeys that shape our Hosted Editions, from encounters with master artisans to visits with communities whose traditions have been passed down through generations. More than a travel story, it reflects the experiences, relationships and moments of exchange that define the TextileSeekers approach.
Together, these collaborations represent an ongoing dialogue between craftsmanship, culture and contemporary design, one that continues to evolve with each new chapter.
