De Ploeg: A Century of Textile Innovation

For almost 100 years, De Ploeg has been making and designing high-end upholstery and curtain fabrics. (De Ploeg: Curtain Fabrics and Upholstery Fabrics, n.d.) De Ploeg was founded in 1923 as the Coöperatieve Productie- en Verbruiksvereeniging (Cooperative Production Association). Originally a utopian agrarian colony at Best (Netherlands) from 1919, the initiators were C. Hijner and W. van Malsen. De Ploeg was to include farming and other activities appropriate to cooperative production. Intending to set up a colony to produce vegetables and household textiles, van Malsen left in 1921 for Bergeyk and 1923 established De Ploeg.

Background

Its weaving mill and health resort failed to profit, closing in 1925 and 1928, respectively. De Ploeg found success selling low-cost textiles and household goods. It started selling upholstery fabrications and checked patterns made by various other manufacturers in 1926. During World War II, Spectrum was established to produce and market handicrafts, preventing workers from being sent to Germany. After the war, Spectrum gained its independence, and De Ploeg established its weaving works, later adding power looms. Its sole creator became Frit Wichard. As the household textiles market started to dwindle in 1928, it had products woven into its designs. The freelance designs of De Ploeg’s staff members made an extensive product range possible. By 1930, De Ploeg sold its textiles to stores that sold fabric, drapery, and arts and crafts supplies. In 1937, it ceased to be a cooperative.

After WW2

Spectrum was set up during World War II to make and sell arts and crafts products and to prevent workers from being taken to Germany. After the war, Spectrum became independent, and De Ploeg set up its weaving works, with power looms added in 1950. Frit Wichard became its exclusive designer. Under Wichard’s direction, De Ploeg gained international recognition for its innovative designs and high-quality fabrics. The company continued to thrive and expand throughout the second half of the 20th century.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

De Ploeg: Curtain Fabrics and Upholstery Fabrics. (n.d.). De Ploeg: curtain fabrics and upholstery fabrics. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://deploeg.com/en/

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