Description
Step into the fantastic world of a great Lyon silk-weaving family who found their path at the foot of the slopes of Croix-Rousse in 1890.
Let yourself be guided through a surprising visit that connects historical heritage, craftsmanship, artistic creation, technology, and innovation. Your experience begins in the workshop of the silk manufacturer — the true conductor of the silk trades. He designs the collections, selects the threads, oversees the dyeing and preparation of the silk, coordinates the work of weavers and printers, and then manages the sale of fabrics to major fashion houses.
The collaborations of Maison Brochier Soieries are numerous and prestigious: Paul Poiret, Givenchy, Dior, Lacroix, Valentino… not to mention the famous “poet’s lamé” created for Yves Saint Laurent, which has become an iconic signature of the designer.
The visit also highlights the exchanges between artists and artisan printers: Chagall, Giacometti, Calder, Braque… Their works, printed on silk since 1953 for the Maeght Gallery, bear witness to an exceptional dialogue between art and craftsmanship. Joan Miró’s letter of thanks to Joseph Brochier for his “masterpiece of Lyon craftsmanship” is one of its most beautiful symbols.
Finally, let yourself be surprised by contemporary innovations: smart textiles and composite materials born from Brochier’s expertise. From the Concorde radome to sounding balloons sent to Venus, and even the sails of the America’s Cup, silk is now being woven with optical fiber to shape the textiles of tomorrow.
Practical information:
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Brochier Soieries Museum – 18 quai Jules Courmont, Lyon 2nd arrondissement
Book your guided tour and experience a journey through 130 years of art, science, and emotion woven into Lyon silk.
