Skip to main content

Linen Clothes Collection

"Linen Clothes: A Journey Through Time and Trade" Step into the world of linen clothes, where history intertwines with fashion

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Scene from Sleeping Beauty (chromolitho)

Scene from Sleeping Beauty (chromolitho)
8677393 Scene from Sleeping Beauty (chromolitho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Scene from Sleeping Beauty: the princess wishing to try using a spindle)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: A boy cutting flax stalks, 1850

A boy cutting flax stalks, 1850
3478722 A boy cutting flax stalks, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a boy cutting flax stalks into length for heckling during the production of linen)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Q for quenouille (spinner) (chromolitho)

Q for quenouille (spinner) (chromolitho)
8677331 Q for quenouille (spinner) (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Q for quenouille (spinner). Woman or girl with a distaff used in spinning

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Wallflowers, Quechua, distaff and quay (chromolitho)

Wallflowers, Quechua, distaff and quay (chromolitho)
8677353 Wallflowers, Quechua, distaff and quay (chromolitho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Q for quarantaine (wallflowers), Quechua, quenouille (distaff) and quay

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Nude with white Sheet, 1937 (oil on canvas)

Nude with white Sheet, 1937 (oil on canvas)
7332550 Nude with white Sheet, 1937 (oil on canvas) by Brusselmans, Jean (1884-1953); Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Ghent, Belgium; (add.info.: Jean Brusselmans (1884-1953)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Workers using a hemp and flax scutching machine, 19th century, 1864

Workers using a hemp and flax scutching machine, 19th century, 1864
7125179 Workers using a hemp and flax scutching machine, 19th century, 1864; (add.info.: Workers using a hemp and flax scutching machine)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Workers shredding flax using a hackle or heckle, 19th century, 1864

Workers shredding flax using a hackle or heckle, 19th century, 1864
7125178 Workers shredding flax using a hackle or heckle, 19th century, 1864; (add.info.: Workers shredding flax, 19th century)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Pulling and binding flax, Antrim (b/w photo)

Pulling and binding flax, Antrim (b/w photo)
8652391 Pulling and binding flax, Antrim (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Pulling and binding flax, Antrim)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: The Saxons (colour litho)

The Saxons (colour litho)
8673461 The Saxons (colour litho) by Hassall, John (1868-1948) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Saxons. Illustration for My very first little History Book)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Botany, vegetables from the vegetable garden: celery, carrot, wheat, corn, potato, hemp and flax

Botany, vegetables from the vegetable garden: celery, carrot, wheat, corn, potato, hemp and flax
FGL5499412 Botany, vegetables from the vegetable garden: celery, carrot, wheat, corn, potato, hemp and flax. Board from "The Illustrated World" 1900; Fototeca Gilardi

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Scutching flax

Scutching flax
3478865 Scutching flax; (add.info.: Scutching flax. Engraving after Daniel Nicolas Chodowiecki (1726-1801). Scutching is a step in the processing of cotton or the dressing of flax in preparation for

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen)

Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen)
7316835 Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen) by European School, (18th century); Manchester Art Gallery, UK; © Manchester Art Gallery

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen)

Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen)
7316832 Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen) by European School, (18th century); Manchester Art Gallery, UK; © Manchester Art Gallery

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Collar, 1610-40 (lace)

Collar, 1610-40 (lace)
7349161 Collar, 1610-40 (lace) by English School, (17th century); 36.5x37 cm; Manchester Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: Back and side pieces of linen seamed together forming square neck;)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen)

Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen)
7316828 Corset, 1740-60 (woollen damask & linen) by European School, (18th century); Manchester Art Gallery, UK; © Manchester Art Gallery

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Dress, c. 1760 (silk, linen & cotton)

Dress, c. 1760 (silk, linen & cotton)
7336620 Dress, c.1760 (silk, linen & cotton) by English School, (18th century); Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Round gown, c. 1795 (silk & linen)

Round gown, c. 1795 (silk & linen)
7336598 Round gown, c.1795 (silk & linen) by Italian School, (18th century); Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: George Barbier illustration

George Barbier illustration
7286229 George Barbier illustration. by Barbier, Georges (1882-1932); Private Collection; (add.info.: Costume de Yacht : veste de drap, jupe de toile, chapeau de cuir - Yacht costume: cloth jacket)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: The Worlds Commodities, 9 Cotton, Flax and Hemp (colour litho)

The Worlds Commodities, 9 Cotton, Flax and Hemp (colour litho)
7169519 The Worlds Commodities, 9 Cotton, Flax and Hemp (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Worlds Commodities, 9 Cotton, Flax and Hemp)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Blanchisseur; Bleacher; Wascher (engraving)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Blanchisseur; Bleacher; Wascher (engraving)
7194945 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Blanchisseur; Bleacher; Wascher (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Blanchisseur; Bleacher; Wascher)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Woman spinning flax (engraving)

Woman spinning flax (engraving)
7185990 Woman spinning flax (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Woman spinning flax)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Marchand (de toile); Linen-draper; Leinwandhandler (engraving)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Marchand (de toile); Linen-draper; Leinwandhandler (engraving)
7196641 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Marchand (de toile); Linen-draper; Leinwandhandler (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: John Bull and Canadian imports (colour litho)

John Bull and Canadian imports (colour litho)
7150888 John Bull and Canadian imports (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Comic postcard on a food related theme)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Lin; Flax; Lein (engraving)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Lin; Flax; Lein (engraving)
7196542 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Lin; Flax; Lein (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lin; Flax; Lein)

Background imageLinen Clothes Collection: Trades in Regency England: Grinding cutlery, iron works and flax spinning

Trades in Regency England: Grinding cutlery, iron works and flax spinning
6340305 Trades in Regency England: Grinding cutlery, iron works and flax spinning by Taylor, Isaac (1730-1807); (add.info.: Trades in Regency England: Grinding cutlery, iron works and flax spinning)



For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Linen Clothes: A Journey Through Time and Trade" Step into the world of linen clothes, where history intertwines with fashion. From corsets to collars, this versatile fabric has adorned men and women for centuries. Imagine a corset from the 1740-60s, crafted meticulously with woollen damask and linen. Its intricate design not only shaped silhouettes but also showcased the artistry behind linen garments. Speaking of collars, a lace collar from 1610-40 adds an elegant touch to any ensemble. The delicate craftsmanship highlights the beauty of linen as it gracefully drapes around the neck. Fast forward to c. 1760, where a dress made of silk, linen, and cotton takes center stage. This fusion of fabrics creates a luxurious texture that exudes sophistication and comfort simultaneously. In the late 18th century, a round gown in silk and linen captures the essence of Regency fashion. Its flowing silhouette reflects both elegance and ease – perfect for social gatherings or strolls through picturesque landscapes. But what goes on behind-the-scenes? Trades in Regency Ireland reveal fascinating processes like bleaching – transforming raw flax into pristine white linens fit for royalty. Irish cabins become hubs for skilled artisans while salmon leaps symbolize nature's contribution to this thriving industry. Artistic depictions by George Barbier illustrate how linens were celebrated across cultures – their timeless appeal transcending borders and eras alike. The importance of flax becomes evident in "The Worlds Commodities" lithograph featuring cotton, flax, and hemp side by side. Linen's versatility shines through as it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other essential fibers. Engravings depicting spinners working diligently showcase the labor-intensive nature of producing quality linen textiles - each thread spun with care before becoming part of someone's wardrobe or household items. And let us not forget those who traded these precious fabrics - leinwandhandlers, linen-drapers, and merchants.