Handweberei Henni Jaensch-Zeymer

Description

In Geltow, the handweaving workshop "Henni Jaensch-Zeymer" keeps traditional weaving alive: the house preserves a large collection of working handlooms and demonstrates artisanal techniques in ongoing operation. As an active weaving museum it combines exhibition and production space.

The museum was established in 1992; its roots, however, reach back to the 1930s, when Henni Jaensch-Zeymer set up her weaving farm in a former inn. The stage and ballroom of the vacant building were converted into living and working areas, and the former taproom now serves as an exhibition and concert hall. Historical looms were gathered from various regions of Germany; many date from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Economic crises shaped the operation: shortages of funds and materials during the war and post-war years led to a shift toward utility textiles. In the GDR the workshop was largely able to preserve its artistic production, among other things through exhibitions in the Eastern Bloc and commissions for the film company in Babelsberg. The products were at times part of the so‑called "Bückware", that is, goods not sold openly but handed out discreetly. After reunification there were interruptions to production; support measures secured its continuation and established the concept of the active museum.

Today, 16 handlooms of various sizes operate in the weaving hall; some are over 150 years old, and the oldest loom from the 18th century is on display. Traditional processes from fiber to yarn to woven cloth for linen, wool, cotton, and silk are demonstrated. Produced items include fabric by the metre, table and household linens, curtains, scarves, blankets, and custom pieces; regionally typical barleycorn towels and tablecloths based on designs by the founder are part of the programme. The museum imparts craft skills through courses, stages annual linen fashion shows, and hosts cultural events on site.