Berta’s Flax: Linen Traditions

A multi media talk by Christiane Seufferlein, Berta’s Flax: Linen Traditions Across Austria, Germany, and the Czech Borderlands.
About this Event

Join Us at Chapter for an evening of flax/linen enlightenment!
Berta’s Flax: Linen Traditions Across Austria, Germany, and the Czech Borderlands

Across the borderlands of Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, flax was never just a plant—it was a thread woven into survival, identity, and community.

Christiane's talk explores the rich and often overlooked flax traditions of Central Europe through the lived experiences of the women who shaped them. From the preparation of a bride’s dowry as a form of security, to communal labor, seasonal rituals, and festive gatherings, flax was deeply embedded in everyday life. Yet behind the beauty of linen lies a story of endurance: of demanding physical work, economic hardship, and resilience across generations.

Drawing on historical research, fieldwork, and personal encounters, this lecture brings these stories to life and asks what remains today. What knowledge, values, and practices can we carry forward from these traditions into our present?

Join us for an intimate and thought-provoking journey into a textile heritage that continues to shape cultural memory and identity in the heart of Europe.

There's also an introduction by Cat Lewis, artist of Llieinwe - community growing and making linen in Cardiff, and Maki Kita, artist and organiser of Chapter fibre and dye garden.

This event is part of a two day celebration of flax and linen, organised by cat. There's also a workshop, free demonstrations, exhibition and an open afternoon at Global Gardens, where you can fully immerse yourself in the linen process!