The Digital Atlas of European Textile Heritage

Textiles are part of Europe’s cultural heritage – and they offer another history of Europe as they represent human needs – from essential to conspicuous – and are part of human social interactions. Textiles tell us much about how people lived together across time and space, how their societies and economies functioned. Textiles have always been at the heart of social discourse and development. However, textile production and consumption happen locally, communities of producers and fashion trends are bound to certain times and places. The EuroWeb Digital Atlas takes up the challenge to view these local manifestations of social development and human tradition and innovation over millennia of European history.

The Digital Atlas gives access to a fascinating alternative history of Europe by logging evidence of the vast material culture of textile production and consumption. Many members of EuroWeb have contributed insights from their research that covers all parts of Europe (and beyond). Although by far not complete, the Digital Atlas aims at showing the rich textile heritage across time and space. Our Motto “Europe Through Textiles” is visualized – and invites explorers to follow the tread of history.