The importance of the silk industry in Valencia’s economic and social development is undeniable
9 may 2016
From the spledour XV century to the most orthodox industrialisation in the XIX century, silk industry and those industries that emerged around it, form a distinguising mark, set by political decisions and the guild.
It was an important economic engine during several centuries and the factory reconversion to the cutting-edge industrial methods caused its contribution to development in the Industrial Revolution in Valencia, with everything that it entailed.
In spite of having overcome several crisis of Pébrine an also economic crisis, the traditional industry suffered a setback and almost on the verge of extinction. It is hard to compete in a market context very different from the one during the XIX century, but producing in the same way. Economic repercussions of this development were the support of a large number of workers that left a powerful industrial landscape, the mark of a specific historical period that not only affects the city of Valencia, but also many cities that develop, one way or another, activities related with silk production.
The future Silk Museum is a complete example within this historical period in the Valencian textile industry.
Its collection is formed by a corpus of more than 7000 pieces. Among them we can find the eleven Jacquard looms and the XIX century machinery, apart from sketches, cardboards, fabrics... all this included in an early XIX Century factory.
It is one of the lacking examples that are preserved, with a whole collection and a traditional industry putting into service. Thus, it is an excellent ethnological example, with a marked social dimension, but also completes an historical period in Valencia and a valuable collection of art. Hence, it is a tangible witness of the Valencian Silk Road.
