Silk printing is a rare and refined craft preserved in Lyon over centuries. Today, step into this captivating world for an immersive visit in traditional technics and block printing, that gave birth to “à la lyonnaise” frames and an ancestral corporation.
Silk is closely linked to the history of Lyon since the 16th century, at the behest of King François Ier. Unique center of importation and manufacture, the Great Factory (name of the corporation) grows quickly from the right shore of the Saône until the hills of the district of La Croix Rousse. The “canuts” (silk workers) produce silk for the French monarchy and various European dominion.
During the 19th century, hundreds of thousands of canuts work in manufactures, making Lyon the capital of silk through a tumultuous history. The city smells and lives for silk, creating new mechanical tools, news designs, new textures, destined for furniture as well as for garments and accessories.
Today, some famous manufacturers perpetuate this traditional activity, while developing new tools and collaborations. The greatest contemporary artists create new collections, associating their illustrious names with marvelous masterpieces. In-house designers participate in this profusion of craft novelties with original creations or inspired by ancient world-renowned artists.