Behind The Canvas - S1E7 - Libeco Linen

While an artist may choose to paint on wood, or another fabric, the most discerning painters choose linen. And the finest line in the world comes form the fertile hills of Flanders in Belgium. But transforming the raw plant to a masterpiece-worthy canvas requires skill and craft honed through generations. At Libeco, the world's foremost producer of linen the family tradition runs through every strand, machine and employee.
In this episode we follow along as raw flax is turned into the finest canvas in the world and learn why this humble plant may just be the next big thing.
www.libeco.com/en
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[@blue_champignon5738]

Only a matter of time until we get a Japan video and we see the washi kozo factory!

[@AnnaHogendoorn]

I WANT THIS SOOOOOOO BADLY RIGHT NOW!!!!

[@joeb4142]

YES!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@sueladybird6923]

I hope so 🙏

[@phyllisstrider2998]

I can't wait to go to Japan with Julian

[@GottaDance56]

I SAY WASHI AND YOU SAY KOZO!

[@savoryflan]

We need to nominate this series to a streamy award. This is outstanding.

[@latenightdoc8945]

I second you!!

[@wildman2012]

Fascinating series! Outstanding contribution to the history of art.

[@eileendoyle8606]

Unfortunately only Mr. Baumgartner can submit the series for the Streamy award. But the deadline has been extended to June 6, 2023. So Julian if you are reading this fill out the form!

[@TheNinjaKiwi1]

Julian! You should definitely do this!

[@div_100]

​@@eileendoyle860623?

[@scottantonucci]

I mean, I was perfectly content to watch you swab a canvas clean one millimeter at a time, while talking to absolutely no one, but this series, and your facility for coaxing information and personality from those you interview, it's brought me to a whole new level of respect for you and your craft.

[@AnnaHogendoorn]

good observation!!

[@scottantonucci]

@@AnnaHogendoorn Hey, thanks Anna! This series both lowers my blood pressure and fills me with interest and excitement all at the same time.

[@user-hy9kz1gb6s]

Oh, 100%. I emphatically concur.

[@stopcreepingyouweirdo]

Julian, this - series, and episode in particular- is some of the most beautiful work I've yet seen in nearly two decades on KZbin, and easily surpasses most of the content produced so far this century by major television networks. Your earnestness, joy, and attention to detail drive the story home in an absolutely beautiful way. I'm so proud to be a supporter of your work and wish you nothing but the best.

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Man, that really hit home, thank you so much.

[@TheNinjaKiwi1]

This feels like it should be a PBS documentary!

[@d33w]

Ah, the famous Belgian Linen! Pleasure to meet you.

[@YG-cf9wt]

Yeah. It only clicked for me in middle of the video. I was like Oh! Belgian Linen!

[@Xantar]

Next up: Julian visits a washi kozo factory!

[@d33w]

@@Xantar Has to happen! 🙏

[@latenightdoc8945]

This is one of the best series put on KZbin by a professional creator, not an influencer. It is talent and hardwork❤

[@OdeInWessex]

I'm hoping that genuinely gifted artists and craftspeople like Julian will make 'influencers' obsolete, fingers crossed.

[@RavenElise-yc7qn]

@@OdeInWessexoh, yes pretty please!

[@anna9072]

Fibre artist here. I’m happy to see you covering the production of linen. It’s an amazing process. There is evidence that the processing and spinning of plant fibers predated the use of wool by millennia. It probably predates the development of agriculture.

[@mountaincruiser817]

Whats a Fibre artist?

[@macy4734]

​@@mountaincruiser817an artist that works with fiber

[@hafidz007]

I bet this guy know sloan from wanted

[@anna9072]

@@mountaincruiser817 I do hand spinning, dyeing, weaving, knitting, and other fiber arts. I make unique clothing and other decorative items.

[@agsuvongiest]

I agree 100% with you Anna! I've studied weaving and have a degree on that (sadly here in Finland it's really hard to make a living with that)

[@Alfablue227]

TY so much for this amazing video. It took me back to my grandma Ana and our farm in NE Portugal. She died a long time ago, but as a little girl I remember her planting linen, washing, carding, eventually weaving it to making the family's bedding linens, towels, napkins, pillowcases and what not. She had a huge hand made loom in the corner of her room. If one understands how manually intensive it is turning flax to linen, (all 25 different steps) one can only be thankful for automatization, and granny would be gobsmacked at how it's done today. To me this took me back 55 years. I am always at awe how a country house wife, mother of 10 tending to family and farm, was able to create the pieces she did from flax. Amazing grandma; I miss her. ❤

[@michaelsheffield6852]

Great story thank you for sharing

[@hannahstraining7476]

What a fabulous story! Your grandmother had so much hard-won skill! Women like your grandmother held the world together as it convulsed in world war and lurched into industrialization. She's an unsung hero. So glad you are singing her praises here!

[@Alfablue227]

@@hannahstraining7476 Thank you. She was an incredible woman and all like her.

[@moehoward01]

All Grandma's are amazing, in their own way. Mine certainly was.

[@tetra1974]

Thank you

[@breanaolive]

On another note, I love that Julian is so confident in what he does. He is so strong with his knowledge, but he is so humbled at the same time when he tries these new things. He is so keen to learning and wanting to try these things. It’s really so fun to watch. And he was so quick to say no I can’t do this, but then hen asked to sweep the floor aweeeeee

[@simonhill5348]

This channel has gone on a remarkable journey, from a fascinating 'over the shoulder' view of the practicalities of conservation to absolutely broadcast-quality documentary with impeccable camerawork and narration, and a gentle, insightful presentation style. The qualities Julian has demonstrated with his attention to detail in art conservation are being applied here to the video medium, and it absolutely shows. Well done - I wish you every success.

[@hannahstraining7476]

My absolute favorite episode of this series!! But that's because I'm a weaver. Nothing, nothing beats linen! There just simply is no other fiber like it, and thankfully, no synthetic comes close. It is much greener than cotton, and much cooler, too. I was glued to my screen watching the automated warping and weaving. Julian asked, "Does automation take the soul out of linen?" No. The soul is in the fiber itself, in its long history, and exciting future. Those looms were amazing, especially that they use 2 shuttles that traverse the shed from opposite sides and meet in the middle. I've never seen anything like that. Linen is notoriously difficult to weave with. It takes a ton of practice to produce a smooth, uniform fabric. And the computerized looms can do it much better than handweavers can. We mostly no longer produce solid-color plain weave fabrics. The joy of handweaving now is in producing complex and innovative woven patterns that automated looms simply can't make. So there is plenty of room in the weaving world for both large-scale automation and small-scale artisanal handweaving. Thank you so much, Julian for bringing this episode to us!!!

[@Zjefke86]

It's not often I get to be proud of my country, but this video 100% makes me proud to be Belgian.

[@timheilman2089]

It's so refreshing to see a business concerned with quality over profit and with an owner who knows the value of workers.

[@videodistro]

Hahahaha! Oh my. They are a business to make money and their employees to make money. It's what moves businesses forward.

[@super8hell]

worker retention ensures quality. quality makes them money. owning your company means you don't need to answer to shareholders. you don't need to chase the constant "growth" to satisfy their dividends or share price.

[@nia2551]

Dude…. between this and your restoration content you need a PBS series or a PRX show. This is crazy good.

[@mcholy333]

Watching these really takes me back to my teachers turning on some kinda tv science show from early 2000s-2010 & dimming the lights!

[@mariaf5474]

I've really enjoyed this series, but as you say, this one was 'mesmerizing'. As a sewist, I knew the flax to linen process, but seeing it done on such a green level makes me happy. When so much fabric manufacturing is so polluting, they must be proud.

[@kevanpetracco7635]

I've never commented twice on the same KZbin vid....but here we are. I've already confirmed my opinion that this series should be nominated for a streamy. But this video was fascinating. Its brilliant. Exceptional work, filming and editing. Thank you!

[@AnnaHogendoorn]

I hope we get a behind the camera too about how behind the camera's was made at the end of the series. Or maybe just do a live in which you answer questions that come up and then upload it after!

[@rbeehner2]

I appreciate these Behind the Canvas stories. Each one is more interesting than the last.

[@eileendoyle8606]

I teach textiles at a community college for budding interior designers. As a weaver and lover of linen, I cannot wait to add this to my list of "required" readings. Who knew I would find such a treasure here. Many thanks for this marvelous resource.

[@user-pj9ri6ft1h]

I'm more and more enchanted with the "behind the canvas" series. You have a gift of explication that makes me eager for more episodes.

[@grittykitty50]

I'm RREALLY loving this "Behind the Canvas" series.

[@carlawiberg6282]

Great video. The only other thing I could wish for in it would be some footage of flax fields in blossom -- the dense mass of straight, thin stalks of bright green with little flowers of heavenly blue at the very top ... so lovely! 💙💚💙💚💙 --- At primary school in Sweden in the 1950s we were still taught a song describing all the stages of linen-making on the small-farm scale. My mother spun and wove (and embroidered her initials on) more tea towels, tablecloths and bedlinen than we could use up in her lifetime. I'm still drying china on her handiwork

[@user-qy2kw9kx3o]

How wonderful. Can you tell us how the song goes?

[@DeEsdoorn52]

Nice to see you visited Belgium. I'm from Belgium, and the company Libeco is actually only a few kilometres from where I live. Some family members of mine (from the era of my grandmother) were flax traders and my son has been working in a company where the machines are produced to harvest the flax.

[@adelheidsnel5171]

as a neighbor-the Netherlands-I'm always in awe of how Belgians are masters of craft and art. Super that you've documented the process and wishing you a lovely stay in our northern hemisphere.

[@OdeInWessex]

The Netherlands are not exactly backwards in producing really great artists. Producing Van Gogh (the goat for me) let alone Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Hals, Van Dyke, Rachel Ruysch makes the Netherlands outstanding in Art History, but of course, you are all far too nice to blow your own trumpets, as we say in the UK..❤

[@09conrado]

Van Dijk actually was Flemish! Great artist

[@adelheidsnel5171]

@@OdeInWessexyes we Dutchies don’t put feathers up our you know what😊 but very nice to remind me of our heritage, I just wanted to salute our southern neighbour here

[@OdeInWessex]

@@adelheidsnel5171 🥰

[@AnnaHogendoorn]

@@OdeInWessex Epic that you mention Rachel Ruysch!!

[@rowejon]

In the 60's we inherited linen bedsheets when a great-aunt died, they were my favourites to sleep between. A few years ago a local shop had linen shirts for a good price, yet again they are favourites. Linen is great.

[@Figueiredoartconservation]

"Thank you so much for this amazing, perfect video. Living in Belgium has made me see how special this country is, from the great master artists that Belgium has produced to respectful, talented companies like the Libeco company. The respect for quality, the respect for the planet, the respect for all of us."

[@Marianneduetje]

I have seen some of your conservation vlogs too. Just as interesring too!

[@Figueiredoartconservation]

@@Marianneduetje Thank you very much Marian

[@AichoOshiro]

As a Belgian, I'm thrilled to see this 🤩

[@Luvr-wv9hv]

Julian, Thank you so much for taking us behind the canvas. When you announced that you were going to be making this series, the very first thing that came to my mind was, "I hope Julian shows us how the beautiful linen canvas that he works with is made". Thank you for making that wish come true! You and your team should be very proud for producing such a high-quality, informative, and beautiful series. Thank you for showcasing incrediblely passionate people making such beautiful products with love, focus, and dedication!

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

Clothing made of linen is so comfortable to wear.

[@paulreese1291]

Again, as artists, we always seem to take our products for granted, and now I have an even greater appreciation for all those who make these products that I can purchase. Once again, we are indebted to you for giving us the background of a product that we take for granted, Thank you!

[@Ar19999]

Now this is what KZbin is about

[@ihaveacat4214]

This series is truly incredible! Ive always been interested in art but never thought about what actually happens „behind the canvas“ and now I have so much more respect about every step. The art is not just the finished painting. It’s every little step that it takes to even have something to create a painting. Thank you so much for this.

[@petewatson4353]

Simply stunning.... I am almost speechless on the quality of this series.

[@TinyQueenDancer]

as a weaver of natural fibers I loved this so much. This series is amazing and you should be getting awards for it. Thank you!

[@frama1122]

Your voice is made for voiceovers and documentaries! Love the new direction the channel is taking!

[@rondo122]

It's so nice to have you in the country, hope you had a good time and enjoyed our food and drinks culture! Always welcome in Belgium!

[@dallastaylor5479]

I was lucky to go to Belgium. I absolutely loved it. And the chocolate!!!!!!!!!

[@kaerulescens]

I could listen to Libeert explain things all day, his voice is very soothing and has an amazing wealth of knowledge.

[@tinlizzie]

Even at my age, I have learned something new and have a full appreciation for what Libeco does and why you use their linen.

[@Siennaflower]

The sustainability of Libeco warms the cockles of my heart!!!❤

[@Jorge.ALXNDR]

I really enjoy how the personnalities of any person that appears on this series are so specific and with such a weird cool vibe

[@paul-emmanueldemeyere3225]

Thank you for this awesome video from a longtime fan. I was born and raised in the region where Libeco is based. To hear our very specific dialect (we in the west of Belgium/Flanders talk a type of dutch that te rest of the country find "difficult" tot understand ) was a joy. Flax and the flax-industry was hugely important for the region. Much of the region's wealth even today is based on the money earned in the 19th and 20th century with flax. I'm quite shure that my grandfather helped build the old weaving looms of Libeco, he worked for the company that makes looms for the whole world also based in the west of Flanders. Thank you Julian is was with immense proudness and joy i've watched this video.

[@I_am_Lauren]

NO WAY you were able to fly to Belgium for this series! That's so cool!

[@ultracurious]

I live in Canadian farm country where flax is planted all around us every year. It's a beautiful crop! This may be favourite segment yet.

[@MckIdyl]

Oh we KNEW this episode would be coming some day. Don't neglect to enjoy some oxtail soup while you're there, Julian.

[@ChanGraham]

Your original series is fantastic. I've watched every conservation video with the attention of a student eagar to learn. THIS series needs to be published and broadcast beyond KZbin. Your thoughtfulness and curiosity seems to be creating a new renaisance. Keep up the excellent work, sir. You are doing wonders.

[@pikas_palace]

I love this series!!! It doesn't get as much views as the restoration videos, but I hope it doesn't deter Julian from making more of these types of series

[@roderikvanderkelen]

I've been following your restorations and 'behind the canvas'-series for several years now and I'm so proud the little country I live in plays a part in so many artists and conservators world. I hope you enjoyed your stay and tried our outstanding gastronomical cuisine. Thanks again for your awesome work, Julian!!!

[@kirakoga]

I wouldn't be surprised if next time Julian goes all the way to Japan to see how the washi kozo paper is made. That would be amazing!

[@Prairiesentry]

Ah Julian, looks like you're entering that phase we all fear... reading glasses! Fascinating video. I love these behind the scenes

[@ewtwistycheesesticks4243]

I am loving this series so much!! Usually I watch Julian's videos to fall asleep but I'm always awake through these they're just so interesting

[@nekkidnora]

This is perhaps the one I waited for the most, as a fibre-arts-kinda-gal. I desperately wanted to see the linen production, and it does not disappoint!!

[@lookin4avampire]

Linen is great in clothing as well, it wicks away moisture and sweat unlike polyester which either keeps it pressed up against your skin or binds to your body’s natural oils and can become smelly in a way that doesn’t wash out. The long flax fibers make linen extremely durable too so I’m glad to see it come back into fashion and become more widely available

[@caroljung1310]

This is really cool! I hadn't expected a video on the production of a fabric to be this interesting. I also loved how much attention is paid to sustainability and not wasting any material.

[@darilynkrupp6309]

I'm enjoying this new series because I believe that the more you learn about any topic the more you can use the knowledge in a practical way and also to appreciate fully the skill, process or product required. The filming, production and editing quality is impressive. Thank you.

[@justrelaxing1501]

Every company deserves a CEO like Raymond Libeert. He's informed, sharp, caring and doesn't wear a suit. Excellent video, well researched and as always Julian does a fantastic job at showing us art behind the art.

[@yeslsaidthat]

Natural fibers have always fascinated me for as long as I can remember and I find this video absolutely astounding we should be doing more of this type of crop.

[@williamfreyholtz4267]

My 3× great grandfather, Carl Bogislav Schwartz was a master linen weaver in the hamlet of Borntin, located in the northeast corner of Germany, during the late 18th and early 19th century. Then of course it was still a cottage industry. Enjoyed your presentation. Somewhat disappointed that it didn't show the flax straw being made into the linen thread.

[@LehTieKah]

Only in Belgium is Julian actually shorter than someone lol this is amazing content and surely my favorite episode yet

[@arturoalvarez4003]

Julian is a top professional and truly loves his work👏👏

[@DipityS]

I saw a few repeated linen outfits over the last few years coming up again and again on Pinterest and elsewhere - all linen - and it's so popular - it looks so comfortable and flattering. I want an entire outfit made with linen - I think it's gorgeous. Every time you show your linen roll and you use linen I pine over it 😊 Aimee's studio was wonderful - bursting with creativity and dedication - thanks to her for allowing us all in to take a peek.

[@lauraburnett9320]

My Brother grew a trial crop of Flax last year here in Norfolk in the UK. The pale blue flowers looked amazing covering the fields and blending up to the sky.

[@Yvonne_Reeder]

I am delighted to watch another behind-the-scenes! This has been so fascinating - thank you, Mr. Baumgartner!! 👏🏻♥️❣️

[@justjane2070]

Over 60 years ago at school I chose the linen production as a school essay ! Always fascinating!

[@seantiz]

You’ve done it. You have created a new and fascinating series. Well done sir.

[@juliemcleod1119]

The Blue of the flower is stunning, it only last's a few days. Too see completely Blue fields is memorable. Sometimes with a splash of Red from the Poppy's. The seed is used in Breads and Flax butter (like peanut butter) and baking. I hope you got some Belgium chocolates while there, delectable.

[@gregonline6506]

It’s good to know the ppl behind the canvas. Actually, what really makes us humans is our ability to cooperate. Thx for showing all that!

[@mikeinportland30]

Gosh, I have a new appreciation for linen, for its beauty and especially its sustainability in both the growing and the processing. I will be seeking out linen now whenever I can.

[@ringatoi]

Great series. Hope you had a blast making it as we are having a blast watching. Thank you.

[@user-qy2kw9kx3o]

What an incredible episode. Thankyou so much Julian and everyone involved.

[@ilijapetkovski]

Just wooooooow. What a brilliant episode. Should have millions of views.

[@traceymeek1238]

Julian, I'm really enjoying this series. Thank you.

[@theardentarcher]

This series is absolutely fantastic. I’ve enjoyed every episode. I adore linen. It’s pretty pricey, but I wish it was more prevalent and accessible. It’s really a superior and versatile fiber.

[@aliciamersdorf4426]

Fascinating and fabulous episode, Julian! I was a professional seamstress for many years and have always loved linen. It was wonderful to learn more about it.

[@petrusoroaga6528]

These series would go along very nice with Bob Ross on PBS :) For some reason I see these two series going hand in hand. Same human warm vibe..

[@sianstockham9244]

I love the behind the canvas series. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@wandagrayson646]

Excellent! I love linen and I love spinning linen. The touch, the spring, the strength. Such a unique fiber.

[@BeverlyM52]

MORE learning from our favorite teacher!

[@joereedmusic9853]

Thank you. In my years of teaching Aviation Technology my students, from scratch would build a tubular steel, wood and fabric covered airplane using linen cloth. Through doing this the students would use all the disciplines they were being taught along the way. The building process took about eight months. At the end the airplane would be certified as Airworthy, test flown and sold to some very happy owner. The linen was very light weight, very strong and was shrunk to the contours of the airframe by process call 'Doping and sewn in place using a waxed linen thread. A hundred year old process to make a modern airplane.

[@tonywatson987]

I'm really enjoying this spin-off series on the background to art & artist's materials - great that you got yourself an invitation to places that cover the whole process and got to speak with the producers. Thank you so much for sharing these videos, and thank you for your foresight and creativity in imagining how these could augment your art conservation. Well done, Julian!

[@sandraraituma]

I was waiting to see what kind of episode you will do with linen! Very excited to see, you actually went to Belgium!! So cool!

[@flamboozer]

For a long time I have wanted a show that related to art, art making and creativity, and now you are providing that. Your channel is top notch! Plus you are such a likable fellow. Thank you Julian Baumgartner! I am always telling my friends about your excellent channel.

[@graceparker7003]

I was so thrilled to see this installment of your series! You came to BELGIUM and you didn't call me??? LOL You were but just a short drive from where I live and have been in Belgium since 2015. Belgium is a proud country and even though it's tiny, it goes a long way toward making their mark by being GREEN. They process a lot of recycling here as well. I would have given anything to have been able to meet you as I am in awe of what you do and allow total strangers into your world each and every day. I never get tired of watching you. Thank you!!!

[@breanaolive]

THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING!!! I’ve been a long time fan, since really your beginning Julian. I am so amazed with all your work and your restorations, and I love that you always want to try different things like, frame restoration, paper, and now pottery. I learn so much from you and especially your series. I honestly never want it to end. My favorite so far is definitely the paper restorations or the paints. As an avid fan, I love the whole process of your restoration, but I’ll have to say, nothing is more satisfying than seeing you clean a dirty painting. Your work is more appreciated than I think you understand. Thank you Julian. - Breana

[@StaticLines]

their face when they asked if you could try i love it sm

[@janellevoigt5481]

Thanks Julian, for taking us to Libeco, I am a tactile person so that would have been a treat to be able to touch and feel the different types of linen. Love the videos!

[@hrxy1]

what a nice man is Ramon, so communicative and patient.

[@dysonsquared]

This was a brilliant part of your side project! It's my favorite episode so far, I think.

[@richardlacey6897]

This is an outstanding series, that richly deserves the praise it gets

[@magnumpunch]

Wow this is by far the best episode for now

[@TheSuperGGirl]

This has to be my favorite from this series. I had no idea about this.

[@jetegtmeier71]

I LOVE this series, I mean I love seeing the transformation you give a painting when you restore it but now your teaching me and those who watch all about the inner/untold workings of a painting that we would Never think of, and for that, Thank You :)

[@shanettequao9043]

This is so interesting! I never knew that this is how linen actually comes to be. Seeing the process like this , is amazing ❤

[@bobwehner7881]

Julian, thanks. I'm now nostalgic for my 40 years ago linen suit.

[@BFG-rr9cv]

Submit your series to the streamy awards, this is amazing!

[@nancyaylward1176]

This series was fascinating. Who knew that there is so much work in making something that we take advantage of everyday. This series has taught me so much. ❤

[@phyllisstrider2998]

WOW! I never knew it was so versatile. Seeing such a tiny plant make all those things is amazing Thanks for the trip

[@BarbraChilds]

I was waiting for this episode! I love wearing linen and sewing with it. So interesting to see the process from plant to finished linen!

[@rebeccahowe7711]

This was one of the most fascinating subjects of this series Thank you Julian for a wonderful job you’re doing.

[@SL-sd3sg]

Libeco is the best bed linen. ❤🇬🇧