You can see this loom at The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology . You can also buy cotton fabrics that are faithful copies of fabrics woven at the factory where this industrial loom was used.
The industrial fabric and the "industrial revolution" are closely linked. The textile industry was the powerhouse of industrialization and Hjula Væveri in Christiania played a central role.
At the end of the 18th century, a rapid development in production speed and capacity began in England, through a new way of manufacturing. Textile production led the way, and the transition from hand to machine gradually changed the structure of society.
The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology offers tours about the Industrial Revolution. In Norway, it dates from the 1840s onwards, and here too, it was the steam-powered textile factories that spearheaded industrialization.
Hjula Væveri was established in Christiania (now Oslo) in 1855 by Halvor Schou and was in operation for more than 100 years. The business was located by the Akerselva, and the building can be seen to this day.
With imported looms from England and many women working, the factory became one of the country's largest textile industries. In the 1880s, it was the workplace of more than 800 people.
In addition to the original loom, the industrial loom, at the museum you can see original fabrics that were produced at Hjula Væveri. Several of the fabrics have been put into production for sale in the museum shop, and many have made beautiful garments from them. Come to the museum and see what you can buy to take home and perhaps sew a garment!
In the temporary exhibition Klima 2+, it is emphasized how industrial textile production has always had a negative impact on the environment. The factories used the Akerselva for both rinsing and drainage, with no treatment plant at all. The modern clothing industry emits more greenhouse gas than air traffic and shipping. Most of the emissions occur during production. Transport, washing, wear and tear and clothing as rubbish also create major environmental problems.
Betzy Kjelsberg was the country's first factory inspector, and she worked for workers' safety, including at Hjula Væveri. Photographer: Unknown/ The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology .
Photo: Håkon Bergseth/ The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
