Since 1878 - Into the blue: how new techniques pushed Mühlviertel forward

Mühlviertel’s prosperous history as an important industry hub has made it a historical centre for innovation. Johannes Kepler, for example, the famed astronomer known for his groundbreaking laws of planetary motion, worked from the region’s capital, Linz. 

From the 17^thcentury to the 19^thcentury, in the era of new trade routes with the Far East, Asian commodities flooded Europe. In Austria, we see the impact of this economical change in the textile industry: silks and cottons in exotic prints and colours influenced consumers’ tastes. Austrian weaveries took note. 

Not per se the oldest of Mühlviertel’s linen weaveries – though founded in 1878 – Blaudruck Wagner definitely stands out in this way. 

The family company, located in Bad Leonfelden, was an early adopter in using the technique of printing linen with a dark blue dye, and was one of the 17 in the area to master it. 

In those days, the tradition was seen as greatly innovative.  Originally from Asia – and typefied as ‘Indian’– the style was very much in demand, seeing as linen is a robust fabric, and the dark dye made it stain-resistant, the blue-dyed textiles were used as workman’s clothing. 

Today, in Mühlviertel, solely the Wagner family upholds this traditional way of dying linens in a dark blue by hand. No wonder then, that ‘blue-dyeing’ is considered Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO. 

At their ateliers, you can experience the intense experience and intense hue of blue that this handicraft engenders. A unique hand-on activity that connects to this thoroughly European region’s far-flung influences.