Flax was grown and prepared and linen hand-woven in the province until the period between the World Wars. After the Second World War, the long chain of knowledge came to an abrupt end. What is unique is that there are people still alive who were involved in all the stages when they were young. But it was no longer profitable to grow flax, and cotton was cheaper and more easily available than previously. Machine weaving made its breakthrough and suddenly one stood eye to eye with towelling and duvet covers which needed no mangling.
Most people today find the new materials easy to care for.
Few young unmarried women collect linen in their bottom drawer. Their urges to create and collect find new outlets. People have forgotten the sensual feel of cold-mangled, cool, rustling linen sheets. It is sad to see the rich treasure trove of linen sold off at shamefully low prices at local auctions.