The Picardy Linen Weavers in 18th century Edinburgh
In the 18th century, a community of linen weavers from Picardy in France arrived and settled in cottages outside the limits of the royal burgh of Edinburgh. Today we know that area as Picardy Place. One of our Jean Guild Grant awardees, Jenny Bruce, has been researching this fascinating and widely forgotten history. Jenny’s plans, with the help of the Grant, are to prepare an exhibition, talks, written material and possibly a podcast to tell this story of the linen industry in Edinburgh and its place in Scotland.
Jenny's Research
Photo by Jenny Bruce
Jenny’s research has taken her to museums, libraries and the National Records of Scotland to delve into the many original documents which tell the story of the people who worked at Picardy and their community. She has spent a great deal of time analysing these sources to find suitable evidence. Jenny said, “In commencing this project, it was obvious that it would be necessary to find new or hidden material relating to the Huguenot immigrant weavers of the 18th century other than that documented by previous researchers”. Transcribing the papers of the Board of Trustees for Fisheries and Manufactures has been intense for her to ascertain if a different picture was contained within these valuable manuscripts and record books. Looking through the archives, she has found pictorial evidence relating to growing and bleaching flax and stamping of cloth. Likewise, documentation on the weavers of Edinburgh unearthed a box master’s book with engraved locks which illustrate the flax plant. Naturally the research took her into the work of the British Linen Company, formed in Edinburgh in 1746 and later becoming the British Linen Bank. Jenny’s research has involved liaising with various collaborators. This summer she visited the Picardy area in France in order to develop museum and possible school links there.
Curriculum for Excellence for Scottish Primary Schools: A proposal
As Jenny found relevant visual material, it became clear to her that an illustrated view of the 18th century linen trade would prove invaluable and informative for audiences, not least in encouraging children to understand their heritage. Working towards a module for the Curriculum for Excellence on the Linen Trade in Scotland is the next objective, in conjunction with Dr John Ennis of Our Linen Stories from Journeys in Design. Dr Ennis has over several years been developing a framework of linen projects including the Flaxfest24 Event in Fife, in September 2024, where the general public are encouraged to participate in various craft workshops, walks, talks, etc. The proposal is to present to Scottish education authorities a learning module with teacher resource booklet. It would be suitable for all children in areas of Scotland where flax was grown or manufactured, and therefore provide interesting historicalconnections for pupils and their teachers to explore.
More information on Our Linen Stories, including people, places, things and books, can be found on their Exhibition webpage.
