Cultural heritage carefully developed
Klässbol is strongly associated with this linen mill, which represents Swedish design and quality. Four generations of weavers have nurtured their traditions while at the same time taking on board new technology. This linen mill attracts some 80 000 visitors every year.
TEXT: KATARINA AVERÅS PHOTO: KLÄSSBOLS
"People can walk round here on their own and have a look at our entire production facility," explains CEO Andreas Johansson. "If people contact us in advance, we can organise guided tours.
"My grandfather's father was born here in 1884. In the early 1900s, he left home and trained to become a weaver. He came back here in 1918 with his family, and in 1921 he bought his first mechanical loom. It was set up in the kitchen. He made a hole in the ceiling up to the first floor so that there was room for the Jacquard."
But Hjalmar died young, at the age of just 44. His eldest children took over responsibility. The money from a life insurance policy was used to pay off old loans, and the mill was able to continue.
"My father, Dick Johansson, and his brother took over at the time of the next generation shift in 1975."
Linen sheets have always been renowned for their healing effect. Linen is a natural raw material that makes light, airy products.
"They're coming back in our range. They're much in demand, not least since we were granted the honour of designing and weaving a wedding gift for Crown Princess Victoria and her new husband Daniel.
The tablecloths, napkins, towels and other linen products woven at Klässbols Linneväveri can be found at all Swedish and Norwegian embassies and are also used at the Nobel Award Ceremony. To date, the company's profile has mainly involved products for "the laid table".
"We want to move into other parts of the home as well. It's all a balancing act - keeping hold of our cultural heritage while at the same time investing in the future."
All production takes place in Klässbol. The mill currently employs 22 staff and works with 13 designers. Our regeneration is going slowly. Seven of Hjalmar's original patterns are still in production.
