In May 2025, London Craft Week welcomed the Heritage Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a remarkable celebration of cultural heritage through the ancient Bedouin craft of Sadu weaving. Held at the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum and Cromwell Place, the Commission’s participation shone a spotlight on the rich, living traditions of Saudi artisans, particularly the role of women as keepers of cultural memory through textile work.
The Legacy of Sadu Weaving
Sadu weaving is a traditional form of hand weaving practised by Bedouin women across the Arabian Peninsula. It transforms camel and goat hair into bold geometric patterns that reflect the surrounding desert landscape and centuries-old tribal symbolism. The craft, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is not merely decorative, it is deeply narrative. Every pattern, colour, and technique carry meaning, often passed down through generations in rhythmic chants and communal weaving sessions.
LCW Maker Demonstrations, A Living Tradition in Action
On 13 May 2025, the V&A played host to the "LCW Maker Demonstrations: Sadu Weaving," a vibrant live showcase of this age-old tradition. Among the featured artisans was Hala Alghamdi, a distinguished Saudi weaver known for her dedication to preserving and innovating the Sadu craft.
Hala’s presence brought Sadu to life for London audiences. As she wove on a horizontal loom using age-old techniques, visitors observed the intricate, meditative process that defines this craft. Her participation not only illustrated the skill involved but also underscored the cultural significance of Sadu weaving as an expression of identity, community, and resilience.
Threads of Legacy
The Heritage Commission also presented an accompanying exhibition, Woven Whispers: Celebrating Threads of Legacy, from 14–18 May at Cromwell Place. This carefully curated show offered an immersive journey through both traditional and contemporary expressions of Sadu. From richly woven textiles to modern reinterpretations, the exhibition highlighted how the practice continues to evolve while maintaining a strong connection to its roots.
Women were at the heart of the narrative, described as “the soft storytellers behind each thread”, honouring their role as cultural custodians who transmit knowledge through the loom. The exhibition served not only as an aesthetic experience but also as a platform for dialogue around heritage preservation, craft sustainability, and the future of traditional arts in a modern world.
Bridging Cultures Through Craft
Saudi Arabia’s participation in London Craft Week formed part of a broader effort by the Heritage Commission to promote cultural exchange and elevate traditional crafts on the global stage. It aligned with the Kingdom’s wider vision to revitalise and preserve its intangible heritage while encouraging international collaboration and creative dialogue.
Through the showcase of Sadu weaving, the Heritage Commission achieved more than an exhibition of craftsmanship. It fostered deeper cross-cultural understanding, supported artisan economies, and reaffirmed the importance of cultural heritage as a dynamic and evolving force.
A Lasting Impression
The presence of Hala Alghamdi and her fellow artisans at London Craft Week 2025 demonstrated that heritage crafts like Sadu are not relics of the past, they are vibrant, living traditions that continue to shape cultural identity and creative innovation. In weaving stories through threads, Saudi Arabia reminded the world of the enduring beauty of handmade art and the powerful narratives embedded within every strand.
As London Craft Week came to a close, one message remained clear: heritage, when celebrated and shared, becomes a bridge between people, cultures, and generations.
