The Woolen Cloth
As its name suggests, woolen cloth is made from wool, a natural protein that comes from sheep. Resistant, wool became an essential industry in Europe. Wool is therefore one of the oldest fabrics used to make clothing, and dates back to Antiquity. Very quickly, it was used for making clothing because of its thermal properties and its ability to be easily dyed.
The earliest evidence of woollen cloth manufacturing dates back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where wool was woven into clothing and blankets. However, it was in medieval Europe that woollen cloth production took on an industrial dimension. Cities such as Florence, Bruges, and London became centers of production for high-quality woollen cloth.
In the Middle Ages, wool became a major economic commodity. British, French and Spanish sheep provided abundant raw material. The production of woolen cloth became one of the most flourishing sectors of the European economy.
Woolen cloth was mainly used to make coats, capes and costumes. At that time, it was reserved for a noble and merchant elite, due to its cost of production and superior quality. Craftsmen specializing in the manufacture of woolen cloth, especially weavers and dyers, played a key role in the economic development of these regions.
With the advent of the industrial revolution, the production of wool cloth underwent major transformations. Technological innovations, such as the mechanization of spinning and weaving, made it possible to produce fabrics in larger quantities and at lower cost. This democratized access to wool cloth, which was no longer reserved for the elite.
Even today, wool cloth remains a prized fabric for its quality and unique properties. It is used for making suits and coats, and continues to embody elegance and durability.
