When Threads are Tied

Presented by Museum Midtjylland

In 1638, when Christian Rantzau established a sheep farm northeast of Sunds, near Herning, the local production of quality wool really commenced. His property, named Skåphus (after the German word for sheep – Schafe), stood on more than 3000 acres of land. Already in 1639, large quantities of wool, from both Skåphus and the German estate of Breitenburg, were delivered to Herningsholm, which enabled the local peasants to knit socks and gloves.

These were subsequently sold abroad, mostly in Germany. As early as the 16th Century, local landowners had a great interest in improving the quality of the local wool, which they achieved by crossing indigenous Danish sheep with foreign breeds. Based on an exhibition at Herningsholm about the imperial count, Christian Rantzau, and this fascinating history of wool and fabric making, Museum Midtjylland will elaborate on hosiery making, which became the foundation of the early textile industry in Central Jutland.

DATE
25th March - 17th December

VENUE
Museum Midtjylland, Herning

AUDIENCE
Everyone