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Jacquard Loom MuseumI have recently visited a fascinating museum about the history of the Jacquard loom in the old weaving town of Roubaix close to Lille. This is an industrial museum situated in the old weaving shed of a weaving factory. The museum has only recently opened and like so many attractions has suffered from the effects of 11th September 2001.
Lille is a fascinating town and only two hours from Waterloo by Eurostar. Roubaix is a 20-minute metro journey from Lille. We found details of the museum in the Tourist Bureau. The museum shows the evolution of the Jacquard loom from the hand-operated loom to the recent computerised looms. All 15 models are in working order. The visit was made particularly special by the enthusiasm of our guide, José Honoré. José was a weaver and engineer with a passion for his looms. His English was much better than our French! Unlike so many exhibitions and textile museums that we drag our long-suffering husbands to, this museum had as much to interest husbands as wives.
We found our visit so interesting that we promised to spread the word. Do visit if you are in the area. More information can be found on the museum website. You can also email and request an English brochure at: manufacturedesflandres@craye.com.
Deborah Sanders, Beaconsfield, Bucks