Continuing the legacy of a 40-year old craft-based business into a bold future of bespoke artisan design was a challenge gladly accepted by Julia and Rob Shuttleworth.
Many people, including myself, fondly remember travelling out to the Midlands in the early 80s — when Rob’s parents were among the original few craftspeople who started the Meander,’ says Julia Shuttleworth of her husband, Robert’s, parents’ role in the establishment of KwaZulu-Natal’s beloved Midlands Meander.
The vibrant colours of that inland KZN setting now surround them daily. Overlooking farmlands and the Mistbelt Forest. In the company of pets, wildlife and horses who attempt to inch their way into the humans’ space for some extra attention, Julia and Rob are continuing the Shuttleworth Weaving legacy into a new era.
‘We were fortunate to work with my parents learning the trade directly from them,’ says Rob of the Shuttleworth Weaving co-founders Andy and Helen Shuttleworth, ‘so the transition from them withdrawing to us running the studio has been a smooth evolution.’
‘We make a great team,’ adds Julia, ‘and we’re always thankful to Rob’s parents’ brave decision to step out of a conventional life and face the many challenges of making a living through hand-crafting.’ And just how does that team work?
Julia applies her natural sense for colour combinations to the briefs that the enterprise receives. Rob has an affinity for the technical aspect of weaving, experimenting with various techniques to produce a range of textures. It’s when those colours and textures are paired that the beauty and magic happen. Then, there’s Zanele Madlala: the head spinner; a quick tempered, highly talented craftsperson who leads by example and holds others to her own high standards. The small team are equal parts intimidated by and endeared to her exacting, often-grumpy personality.
Julia is quick to state that Rob thrives on a challenge, and this seems to be common to the team: they’ve risen to tasks such as creating a 48-square-metre, 150kg rug to be shipped to the USA. Along with the bespoke tasks, the classics remain a popular, reliable source of income. The Baobab Mohair rug, for example, was first produced by Andy and Helen some forty odd years ago and is still in demand today. ‘We cannot compete on price with mechanised factories but we can fill and service niche markets and needs for unique, one-of-a-kind and bespoke projects — and requirements that large scale factories cannot service,’ says Rob.
‘People largely seem to be placing more value onto authentic products made by people who earn a fair living and live sustainably — this awareness does seem to be growing.’ After all, ‘The fact that we’re still here after more than 40 years is testament to this.
