Women's work

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Resurrecting the contributions of talented craftswomen long overlooked as pioneers, this work reveals a crucial chapter in the history of the Bauhaus, the defining institution of modern design in the twentieth century. While the Bauhaus has been extensively studied, the Weaving Workshop, its most enduring and successful branch, has been largely neglected. This oversight stems from the reality that, despite Walter Gropius's claims of gender equality, textiles were relegated to "women's work." Nevertheless, the craftswomen produced extraordinary results, responding to technological advancements with innovative fabrics made from materials like Cellophane, leather, and early synthetics, which showcased acoustic and light-reflecting properties. They created multi-layered textiles and utilized the jacquard loom, leading to a revival of hand-weaving and a new professionalism in textile design for mass production. This meticulously documented study features rare photographs of the textiles and their creators, capturing the vibrant creative spirit of the Bauhaus. Through original archival research and interviews with survivors, students, and contemporary designers, the workshop's history and lasting impact are explored. After the Nazis closed the institution in 1933, its members dispersed globally, leaving a legacy that continues to influence textile production today.