Publication:

Walkmühlen und Tuchfabriken im Rhein-Main-Neckar-Gebiet

    Full details

    English titleFulling mills and textile factories in the Rhine-Main-Neckar area
    Authors & editors

    Reitz, Heinz [Author]

    Year of publication 1986
    Languages

    German (main text)

    Medium Book
    Edition1
    Topics

    Wind & watermills > Other Europe (not GB) > Germany, Austria & Switzerland
    Dyestuffs & textiles > Wool

    Tags

    Scope & contentSummary Translation

    Scholarly article on fulling mills used for cleaning and matting woollen fibres. It explains the reasons and techniques of fulling, which generally required a four year apprenticeship. It goes on to describe in detail the general principles and technology, including those used by the Dutch. It describes the building fulling mill in Beerfelden in the state of Hessen, now used as a holiday home, but the only fulling mill in the Odenwald area where the original construction is preserved. The fulling process is then explained in detail.Water driven fulling mills first appeared in Germany in the 12th century, while the oldest one in the Rhine-Main-Neckar area dates back to 1261. They are documented in Speyer and Frankfurt. The text lists 11 existing before 1570; the arrival in 1562 of Protestant refugees from the Spanish Netherlands, many of whom were textile workers boosted textile production and more fulling mills were built. The text lists another 14 fulling mills constructed between 1661 and 1830.With industrialisation fulling mills were enlarged to become textile factories in the 19th century.The article is illustrated with diagrams, sketch maps and a black-and-white photo.

    Copies held

    Accession no. 229776

    • Shelf location: W 114.3_REI
    • Donor: Ken Major Collection