Brief reminder of Part 1 (without mistake ). Although the history of silk has been present in Europe since the 15th century, it was not until The Renaissance that it experienced an immediate boom. Under Henry IV, the entire production chain was set up, with a development in the 17th and 18th centuries when silk was introduced into the royal court. ----------------------- In the 18th century, many inovations were apply to the loom in order to facilitate the work, with new types of weaving. Jean-Baptiste Falcon invented the system of perforated cards, which made it possible to quickly create complex patterns, especialy with the emergence of the French style. This style is characterised by the fabric, which is the result of new weaving proceses and sharper designs with the apparance of asymetry. In the 19th century, Lyon became the European capital of silk. The sector represented three quarters of the local industry with 400 companies and more than 100000, weaving looms developed by Jacquard. But in the 20th century, despite the arrival of artificiel textiles, its unique know-how enabled it to resist international competition. The Lyon silk manufacturers have thus focuse on the top of the range with traditional hand loom production, while developping innovation with ever more efficient machines that enabled them to create fabrics of remarkable quality. The company had an exceptionel clientele for haute-couture houses, castle restorers, etc. Today, only a few handlooms remain to meet the needs of prestigious clients or for national museums. |