Jacquard Silk

Lyon, (France) has always been the European center of the silk-trade, and is still known for its outstanding quality of silk.

It became famous in the XV century, after a direct route between China and Lyon was created.
The climate, the quality and talent of the silkworkers, all added up to the innovation and creativity of endless possibilities.

One of the original innovaters was Joseph Jacquard, who invented a new way of weaving in 1805.
He was a silk weaver by profession and with his creation a whole new process was launched.
Beautiful designs are made today, damask and brocades are just a few.

When painted, the lighter and darker shades of the patterns are even more visible and give that extra glow to the material.

Across the globe expensive silk has been used by the Church. Kings and Queens still prefer their gowns in silk and brocade.

It is worth to visit the hill of La Croix Rousse, just outside Lyon, where you will find many museums telling the story of the "canuts" (French for silkworkers).

Today, silk is still produced in Lyon, but on a smaller scale then 150 years ago.