The Early Textiles Study Group (ETSG) came into being in 1981 after a small group of people working with or researching into archaeological textiles started to meet together on a semi-regular basis to discuss their work and problems, to share knowledge and experience, and to advance their knowledge by visiting collections and exhibitions together.
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The number of those participating in the Group has grown gradually over the decades.  As well as those involved with archaeological textiles the ETSG now embraces art-historians, conservators, material scientists, archivists, ethnographers and also those craft-workers who recreate early textiles and keep alive regional and ethnic textile technology. ‘Textile’ is here used as an umbrella term to cover all fibre products, including knitting, felt, lacework, braiding, basketry and cordage.