THE STORY OF BESHLIE MCKELVIE
Weaving Together Art, Traditional Craftsmanship, and Women’s Empowerment.
“My work is a fusion of all I am passionate about – beautiful design, authentic heritage crafts, and the economic liberation of marginalized women.”
An Artist's Hertiage
Born into Art & Wonder
The great-granddaughter of the influential designer William Shand-Kydd, Beshlie grew up in a wildly bohemian household surrounded by artists, musicians, and free spirits. This creative upbringing instilled in her a lifelong curiosity for global cultures and fine art.
After earning her Fine Arts degree, Beshlie set out with the heart of an anthropologist. Travelling through Asia, Africa, South America, Andalusia, and Ibiza, she became captivated by the ancient textile traditions of the indigenous people she met. It became her life’s mission not just to study these skills, but to honor and protect them.
The Alchemy of Rajasthan
Bridging the Ancient and the New
In the dusty, vibrant backstreets of rajasthan, India, you will find Beshlie working side-by-side with master block printmakers. Though they speak different spoken languages, they share a profound creative connection—an alchemy that transforms raw Mongolian cashmere and Mulberry silks into wearable art.
Every pattern, dye blend, and stitch is guided by respect for slow, traditional methods. Nothing is mass-produced; every piece carries the faint, unique imprint of human hands.
Anthropological Roots
The Kazakh Eagle Hunters & Mongolia
Living among the Kazakh eagle hunters in Outer Mongolia during a textile research trip transformed Beshlie’s perspective forever. Mesmerised by the generosity of a humble people with ancient horsemanship and shamanic traditions, she was moved to document their fragile existence through photography.
The resulting exhibition gained international acclaim – not only showcasing her photographs and textiles, but providing a global platform for the stories of the Kazakh eagle hunters. This experience cemented her commitment to honoring and preserving the legacies of marginalized cultures worldwide.
Sacred Crafts & Women’s Empowerment
Sacred Folklore & Pre-Aztec Art
In her mission to keep ancient traditions alive, Beshlie works alongside the Otomi and Huichol people of Mexico, whose sacred craftsmanship dates back to pre-Aztec times. Fusing folklore, songs, whimsical characters, and shamanic visions, their work symbolizes the harmony between humanity and nature, illuminating the eternal cycles of life and renewal.
Sustainable Futures: Nepal, Peru & India
Sustainable practices sit at the absolute core of the Beshlie McKelvie ethos. Working directly with fair-trade cooperatives across Nepal, Peru, and Rajasthan:
Ethical Cashmere & Wool: Partnering with Nepalese and Peruvian artisans ensures only authentic, sustainably sourced cashmere and natural fibers are woven into her designs.
Economic Independence: Collaborating with women’s collectives provides female weavers with fair wages, financial autonomy, and a positive means to support and educate their families.
"An exquisite blend of gravity and air, Beshlie McKelvie's scarves balance anthropological research and authentic craftsmanship with a playfulness and an exuberance of textures, patterns and colours."