A Century in Waiting: The Story of Our Antique European Linen

When I first unrolled the bolt, I could hardly believe it - linen woven more than a hundred years ago, yet untouched by time. The weave was tight and even, the colour a soft natural tone, and there it was: the unmistakable hand of a century-old loom. This fabric had been made with care, intended to serve a purpose, and yet it had waited all this time to begin its life.

Sourced from family-run mills in Europe, this antique linen is what’s known as deadstock, unused fabric that was woven and stored away, never cut, stitched, or worn. A century ago, it might have been destined for household linens, workwear, or upholstery. Perhaps it was part of a dowry or surplus from a mill order. Whatever the reason, it was carefully preserved, surviving wars, changing fashions, and the rise of mass production.

What makes this linen so remarkable is not just its age, but the craftsmanship of its making. Woven on narrow looms by skilled hands, the fibers were spun to last for generations. The texture is substantial yet supple, with a depth and character you simply don’t find in modern production. And because it has never been used, it arrives in pristine condition, ready for its first chapter, more than a hundred years after it was woven.

In our studio, we transform this linen into pillows and Fragments wall hangings. We cut and sew it with intention, often pairing it with other antique textiles to create pieces that are both contemporary and steeped in history. Every finished piece carries the quiet story of the fabric’s past and the touch of the present - heirlooms in the making.

There is a finite amount of this linen. When it’s gone, there will be no more. Perhaps that’s part of its magic: a rare material, patiently waiting for a century, now given a new life to be treasured for many more.