The Ambassador, the British export magazine for textiles and fashion: records

Volumes of The Ambassador magazine (1933 - 1970); press cuttings relating to ballet (1949 - 1950); photographs and glass negatives from magazine shoots (1945 - 1964); correspondence between the editors of the magazine, Elsbeth and Hans Juda, and artists including Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland (ca.1945 - 1964); negatives (1950 - 1962); correspondence offering condolence to Elsbeth Juda on the death of Hans Juda (1975); transcript and tape of an interview with Elsbeth Juda (1987).

In 1933 the magazine International Textiles was set up in Amsterdam where it was published every two months. In the same year a London office was opened under the direction of Hans Juda. Initially the magazine included advertisements, editorial comment and illustrated fashion news on all aspects of international fashion and textiles. It also featured articles on the international economic situation and export markets, as well as reporting on exhibitions and trade fairs. The text was published in Dutch, English, French and German. At the outbreak of the Second World War communications were severed between the Dutch and English offices and the two journals continued publication independently during the War, both using the title International Textiles . With the end of the War this situation was formalised and from March 1946 the British magazine changed its title to The Ambassador , acting as the British export journal for textiles and fashion. The original magazine continued publication in the Netherlands under the title International Textiles .

In 1946 The Ambassador had offices in 45 countries worldwide. During the post-war period the magazine featured articles on developments in trade and industry, the introduction of new dyes, finishes and yarns, and the establishment of new organisations to promote fashion and textiles such as the Colour, Design and Style Centre in Manchester. It also included a regular monthly discussion on the present and future textile trade with features on dress, fashions, furnishing fabrics, carpets and household linen. The magazine closed in 1972.

This archive collection is available for consultation in the V&A Study Rooms by appointment only. Full details of access arrangements may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.

Access to some of the material may be restricted. These restrictions are noted in the catalogue where relevant.

Given by Elsbeth Juda, 1987.

Cataloguing supported by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of The David Berg Foundation, New York.

Information on copying and commercial reproduction may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.