© André Chabert
A remarkable project to revive an exceptional Lyonnais textile heritage.
An Ambitious Heritage Restoration Project
In September 2024, Cédric Brochier launched an ambitious initiative: restoring a historic Jacquard mechanism discovered in the family home. To take on this challenge, he partnered with the associations Tissage Mattelon and Soierie Vivante, both dedicated to preserving Lyon’s textile expertise. The goal? To bring a Jacquard loom back into working order, once again producing figured silks—and to give new life to an iconic design by Raoul Dufy.
The Origins of the Project
The story begins in 2018, when Cédric Brochier acquired a hand loom dating from the 1840s, equipped with a simple 104-hook mechanism designed for weaving plain fabrics.
In 2024, a new ambition emerged: replacing this system with a 744-hook Jacquard mechanism inherited from Jacques Brochier. This transformation makes it possible to create complex patterns and marks a key milestone in showcasing textile heritage. The project reflects a clear vision: to present a fully operational production tool at the heart of the museum, while bringing to life Leaves, a design by Raoul Dufy.
A Technical and Human Challenge
Restoring the loom has required a wide range of rare skills. Each stage highlights the project’s complexity:
the manual threading of 6,400 silk threads, the preparation of the harness, the mounting of warp threads, and all the mechanical adjustments required for weaving. One of the greatest challenges lies in producing the Jacquard punch cards from Dufy’s design—a skill that has now almost disappeared in Europe.To overcome this, innovative solutions were developed: Mehdi Maleki created a dedicated software program for punching the cards, while Brochier Technologies handled the laser cutting of the 500 required cards and produced new needles using 3D printing. A remarkable combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
© André Chabert
Coming into Operation Soon
The project is now entering its final phase. Initial weaving tests in silk satin are underway, while the installation of the “card run” system—allowing the Jacquard cards to circulate through the mechanism—completes the setup.
From September onward, the restored loom will be fully operational.
A Living Experience to Discover
Museum visitors will be able to attend daily demonstrations as part of guided tours led by Justine and Lou-Ange. A unique immersion at the crossroads of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Book your visit: https://visites.brochiersoieries.com/en/
Adults: €12
Children / Students: €8
Duration: 1 hour
Tours available in French and English
To Go Further
Tissage Mattelon
Visits by appointment (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
https://tissagemattelon.wixsite.com/mattelon
Soierie Vivante
Daily guided tours
https://www.soierie-vivante.asso.fr/en_GB
Musée du Tissage et de la Soierie
Daily guided tours
https://www.museedutissage.com/en