Naturally Gifted

Today we launch The new 'Gone Rural' tableware....
We are proud to be selling such a fantastic product as well as being equally delighted that it stands for such a liberating course...

The brand 'Gone Rural' is based in Swaziland and works with seven hundred women in fourteen rural areas. The focus of the company is to provide the women with a regular source of income throughout the year.

Philosophy; Established in 1992, Gone Rural combines the very latest European design trends with the age-old tradition of grass plaiting and weaving. The women are able to work from home which allows them to take care of their families. Gone Rural tableware represents an understanding and respect of Swazi culture, heritage and tradition and the quest for the never ending improvement of the daily lives and economic empowerment of rural women in the Swazi kingdom. All prices are negotiated directly with the women and each year the prices are revised to take into account the cost-of-living increases.

Raw materials; The major natural source of raw material is a Swaziland mountain grass, Lutindzi (coleochloa setifera). The women pick the grass from around the local mountains. The grass is picked from above the root, which allows it to regenerate. At the Gone Rural workshop in Malkerns, they dye the grass into eleven different colours. The dyed grass is then taken back out to the communities and orders for the products are placed. Other materials used are sisal fibre, clay and banana leaves, all of which are local sustainable materials.

Contemporary home decor design; The vibrant colours and textures, combined with the durability of the Lutindzi grass make for stunning tableware. Not only are the Gone Rural products beautiful and well-made but each piece is individually handmade, allowing the artistry of the weaver to shine through. The blend of cultural artistry and up-to-date market trends creates the unique Gone Rural look.

International Fair Trade Association; At the begining of June 2006, Gone Rural received approval of our application to join the IFAT Association