The textile industry, which already existed in the region in Roman times, is the oldest industry in the North of France. The Roubaix Manufacture allows you to plunge into the world of the region's specialized factories: an authentic industrial setting with the sound of machines operating before your eyes.
In the 1950's, the North of France (notably the cities of Roubaix and Tourcoing and their surroundings) was renowned for its textile industry. The region was known as "the factory of France".
The Manufacture you can visit is located in the former premises of the company Craye et fils founded in 1914 by Israel Jean-Baptiste Craye and specialized in the manufacture of upholstery fabrics. In the 1960's, the company, which produced mainly velvets, carpets and jacquard fabrics, specialized in the mechanical production of medieval Flemish tapestries.
In 1992, as sales decreased, the family business was taken over by Mr. Persyn, CEO of the Belgian group Flemish Tapestries. The new purchaser created, in 2001, a jacquard museum (housed in an unoccupied weaving workshop) which he named the Manufacture of Flanders. In 2009, the group relocated its production to Belgium and ceased its activity on the museum site. The collections were then donated to the city of Roubaix, that also purchased the buildings. After a phase of renovation, the museum, renamed "The Manufacture, Museum of Memory and Textile Creation" reopened its doors in 2015.
During the visit, demonstrations will help you to understand the construction of a fabric from wool and yarn and the operation of the loom. You can also discover the evolution of weaving from the Middle Ages to the present day, and the living and working conditions of textile workers.
The museum also offers guided tours, temporary exhibitions and events, such as weaving workshops and knitting classes for beginners or experienced.
For more information and discover collections in details, it's here.
Jessica from Comme des Français
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