During Dutch Design Week 2021, we presented work from Stewards Heleen Klopper, Maaike Gottschal, Henrike Gootjes, Hans Hutting, Loes Schepens, Marieke van Mieghem and Kelly Konings.
The Linen Project is a long-term learning-by-doing initiative focused on growing and processing flax, with the goal of connecting human, cultural and economic values. Based in Arnhem, The Linen Project is building a network of engaged individuals. It is shaping a contemporary community to rediscover, unlock, update and pass on knowledge about local textile cultivation. Crafts Council Nederland, together with ArtEZ MA Practice Held in Common, initiated and drives The Linen Project.
Since 2020, a group of thirty stewards has been involved in the process from flax cultivation to product. Together, they manage the cultivation and harvesting of flax and experiment with its processing by hand through retting, breaking, scutching, heckling, spinning, dyeing and weaving. For many of the stewards, the strength of this process lies in the adventure, the shared responsibility and the connection they feel with the cultivation, the earth and the material. Almost none had previously worked in a field to weed, harvest or process flax.
Some motivations from the Stewards include: “It’s great to do physical work,” “It gives me joy in life,” “I can learn new things,” “We gain knowledge together through practice,” “I want to take matters into my own hands,” “I want to develop a love for craftsmanship and textiles,” “one of the most aesthetic experiences ever,” “It makes me feel useful,” “… I’ve been working in the fashion industry for years but had absolutely no knowledge of this process.”
