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www.texturekortrijk.be
Tennis
Laurence Courtois, tennis coach & former pro : The right choice of materials is extremely important when making a tennis racket! Flax fibres ensure strong cushioning and lower weight, without loss of the mechanical properties and the quality of the racket.
Vlas Blomme
© Yoriko Sakurama, designer : VLAS BLOMME is a fashion brand in Tokyo, Japan, that uses the high quality natural product ‘Kortrijk Linen by Jos Vanneste’ to create their stylish line of clothing.
TEXTURE
Museum of Flax and river Lys TEXTURE tells the story of the flax and linen industry. A story about strong roots, about craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, about daring innovations and constantly re-inventing oneself. In three rooms, in an authentic flax depot (1912) on the banks of the river Lys, you can learn about the revolutionary development created by the flax industry in this region. The past will surprise you, while the stories of the present, will amaze and inspire you. For centuries, Flanders has been famous for its textiles. Linen has figured prominently in this history. Luxury products like lace and damask were extremely popular among the nobility and bourgeoisie; ordinary people wore the basic cloth that was mass-woven here. A new industry sprung up along the banks of the Lys and went on to conquer the world: flax processing. ‘Courtrai flax’ soon became renowned as the best flax obtainable and still is eagerly sought internationally.
Three rooms, three stories You use flax every day, probably without knowing it and at places you would not expect it. Designers, scientists and entrepreneurs leave no part of it unused. Discover, try, feel and test it all in the The cabinet of Curiosities. The Leie room brings to life the story of flax processing in the Leie region. This story is one of mixed fortunes, of people who without outside assistance repeatedly found the resilience to overcome major crises. It’s a fascinating history with thinkers, darers and doers in the leading role. Beneath the golden crown you will find the Treasure chamber. This is the place to marvel at the beautiful damasks, laces, handwork and fine fabrics that enrich this exceptional textile collection.
Information Noordstraat 28 / 8500 Kortrijk +32 (0)56 27 74 70 / texture@kortrijk.be www.texturekortrijk.be
Opening hours MAY SEPTEMBER: Tue - Sun from 10am to 6pm CLOSED on Monday OCTOBER APRIL: Tue - Sun from 10am to 5pm CLOSED on Monday and public holidays
Tickets FREE €4
< 13 years old /Every first Sunday of the month Group and discount rate (from 15 persons, 65+, students ... )
€6 € 60
Individual visitor Guided tour
Accessibility Station Kortrijk: www.nmbs.be Station Kortrijk: www.delijn.be ( line 4 and 6 ) Free parking for 2 coaches at Gasstraat Kortrijk Kaffee DAMAST Museumcafé Accessible to persons with disabilities
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Tourist information desk and cycle routes
V.U. Vincent Van Quickenborne / Kon. Leopold I-straat 13/0042 / 8500 Kortrijk
GROUP VISITS Group visits, day arrangements and late night visits on request. Please make reservations 2 weeks in advance at texture@kortrijk.be or +32 (0)56 27 74 70.