The textile machines at the Museum of Industry in Ghent are the oldest in the world
For the first time, KIK-IRPA has researched historical machines from Belgium's industrial past. It involved the Mule Jenny and the Twine mill from the Museum of Industry in Ghent for spinning and twisting threads. Our specialists were able to confirm that the two masterpieces are the oldest of their kind in the world.
Research in line with preservation
Experts from KIK-IRPA subjected the Twine mill and the Mule Jenny of the Museum of Industry in Ghent to an in-depth, interdisciplinary analysis. The project had been initiated as part of the preservation of the two masterpieces. By synthesising the results of all individual research disciplines and thoroughly examining the historical documents mentioning the textile machines; the origin, age and functioning of the two machines became clearer. It was the first time our institute had studied large industrial machines.
More KIK-IRPA news
Colour4CRAFTS brings international textile expertise together at KIK-IRPA
In December, the KIK-IRPA Textiles Lab had the pleasure of hosting the consortium meeting of the Colour4CRAFTS project.
Safe cleaning strategies for the gilded surfaces of the Ghent Altarpiece
On 30-31 October 2025, the Art Salinity and Acidity Project (ASAP), the Materials Science for Conservation Research (MatCoRe) unit – jointly supported by KIK-IRPA and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) – and the Ghent Altarpiece conservation-restoration team came together for a unique two-day collaboration focused on the gilded areas of the paintings.