Hof der dingen - The banners from Verilin

Once upon a time, the flax industry was thriving in the south of West Flanders. As time went by, many flax merchants struggled to keep their business afloat. Some switched careers, others branched out into different applications of flax – often quite successfully. 

But don’t worry – there are still many beautiful flax stories to be told. Have you heard of Verilin in the picturesque town of Heule-Watermolen, for example? They’re known for their stunning table and bed linens – keeping the beauty of flax alive in every stitch. 

Verilin is run by two sisters Ilse and Anne-Sophie Dedeken – the third generation of weavers dedicated to the art of flax. For them, every day is an opportunity to show just how versatile and elegant flax can be. What sets them apart from others? They work exclusively with ethically sourced materials, often made right here in Belgium. By collaborating with local artisans and designers, exploring new techniques, and combining different forms of materials, they’re breathing new life into this old profession. 

One shining example of their work is the creation of the marvellous tablecloths on display at the Texture Museum in Courtray (Kortrijk) – a co-creation with our curator Wim Opbrouck. That this flax museum was erected in Courtray should come as no surprise – this city is the birthplace of linen damask. Damask is a product from the Middle East, with its name even referring to the city of Damascus. Originally, it was the term given to silk fabrics with drawings woven in. These drawings had the same colour as the background, their visibility being dependent on how the natural light hit the fabric. 

By the 15th century, Courtray weavers were renowned pioneers in weaving damask into linen, recreating entire battlefields, biblical scenes, and hunting motifs with nothing but thread (fine, white, and radiant) and a whole lot of craftsmanship. 

Now, Verilin has revived this centuries-old tradition and turned it into something modern and unique. They’ve consciously chosen to focus on custom-made pieces, keeping their business small but special. "Our clients come to us because they want something extraordinary," says Ilse and Anne-Sophie. "We can tailor to their needs because we weave and finish everything ourselves, producing only small batches." You might have heard of chefs Peter Goossens and Sergio Herman – both recipients of a Michelin Star – who are frequent guests of the atelier in Heulebeek. 

Verilin’s craftsmanship even inspired curator Wim Opbrouck to add aesthetically pleasing linen banners to the Provincial Council Chamber in the Provincial Palace. When the sunlight hits the stained glass windows just right, you’ll notice the banners gently swaying, casting colourful reflections that create an almost ethereal atmosphere in the room; It’s the perfect fusion of beauty, tradition, and craftsmanship – bringing the spirit of West Flanders to life.