Interview with Leitner Leinen

Friedrich Leitner from Leitner Leinen in an interview with LinenProject

LinenProject:
Mr Leitner, what are the key characteristics of Leitner linen?

Friedrich Leitner:For 160 years, the family-owned company Leitner Leinen has been working with just one material: linen. Over the course of a century and a half, a special relationship has developed between this versatile natural fibre and our own family history. Over this long period of time, linen and linen bed linen have become much more than just a raw material for textile production for Leitner Leinen. This wonderful fabric has taken on a character of its own for us; it communicates with us. We try to understand the possibilities that this fabric offers us. And it turns out that even after 160 years, we are still learning. The possibilities of linen fabric for linen bed linen are still far from exhausted. And it is precisely this fact that keeps alive the creative, curious and innovative relationship that connects Leitner Leinen with this high-quality natural material. Leitner Leinen elevates the demanding craft of weaving to an art form. This opens up new and unimagined possibilities for bringing linen fabric to ever greater perfection. We are the only manufacturer technically capable of processing the finest linen yarns. Behind this lies a penchant for perfectionism and, of course, a love of quality.

LinenProject:
Are these characteristics linked to particular values?

It is not so much general values as experiences that matter to me. I am probably not the first or last person for whom home is an important point of reference. In addition to a connection to home, consistency, family and nature are among the qualities that matter most to me. I find it remarkable that linen fabric also embodies these qualities. Linen is a fine natural yarn and can be produced using traditional cultivation methods. It is precisely in its natural state that linen yarn develops its most beautiful qualities. With proper care, linen fabric is extremely robust and embodies a high degree of durability. The craft traditions and techniques of linen weaving vary from region to region and express a connection to home. In earlier times, linen fabrics were passed down through the generations and were part of the family’s household goods. Whether my personal appreciation for the values mentioned above arose from my experience with linen or whether it is just a coincidence, I do not know. I am grateful that our family has succeeded in adapting the centuries-old and wonderful craft of linen production to the needs of the times and in meeting the respective demands.

LinenProject:
How do you explain the current resurgence in popularity of linen?

Friedrich Leitner:
I can’t say for certain whether this is a comeback or simply a shift in how people perceive the qualities of linen. We live in fast-moving times. Trends come into fashion and fade away just as quickly as they arrived. Linen embodies a timeless value. This wonderful fabric retains its colours and shapes for decades. We have long since become accustomed to constant change and a certain ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ culture in our everyday lives. Perhaps this is changing the way we view products of enduring and lasting beauty.

LinenProject:
Mr Leitner, in your workshop even the most challenging and finest fibres are transformed into outstanding collections. In doing so, you pay particular attention to the effect and nuances of the colours. You work with subtle shades and delicate variations. This allows customers to harmoniously combine different Leitner designs. What are your personal guiding principles when working with linen fabrics?

Friedrich Leitner:The secret of linen is its unrivalled versatility. If you have clear guidelines about the functions the fabric should fulfil, then linen will meet precisely those expectations. But the true magic of this noble fabric does not unfold when the objectives are too one-sided. This is because linen miraculously produces completely opposite effects. As a result, the fabric serves entirely different purposes that only appear to contradict each other. For example, linen provides wonderful warmth in cold temperatures. Similarly, the fabric can feel cool and refreshing on the skin in summer weather. This versatility shapes my own perspective on linen fabric. I want to explore the possibilities, I want to know: what else can it do? What else is it capable of? Linen is like a sleeping beauty waiting to be kissed awake. Leitner Linen combines technical sophistication and innovative designs with the same goal in mind: to literally awaken the special radiance, beauty and versatility of linen fabric.

What makes Leitner linen different?

LinenProject:
Is this what sets Leitner Leinen apart from other linen fabric manufacturers?

Friedrich Leitner:
That’s an interesting question, which I honestly can’t answer. However, one important feature of our family business, Leitner Leinen, is certainly its reference to weaving traditions from the Mühlheim and Bohemia regions. We develop designs with this special connection to our homeland and expand on traditional weaving patterns with contemporary inspirations. Every traditional family business has its own history and is subject to specific developments. These are shaped by many influences – local traditions, influential personalities, special inclinations and objectives. Some of these influences are not the result of conscious decisions; they have crystallised over the course of the company’s history and are then expanded with new characteristics. Therefore, direct comparisons are not very meaningful. Differences arise in a living process when products convey the special spirit of a company. This results in a unique combination of characteristics – the actual character of the products – emerging from the distinctive company tradition.

LinenProject:
Home décor depends to a large extent on fabrics and textiles. This ranges from upholstery and decorative fabrics, through bed linen and curtains, to tea towels. Manufaktur Leitner covers all these areas. Or to be more precise: Leitner was the first to introduce linen fabric into all these areas in the first place. In doing so, you also aim to respond flexibly to different customer needs. In your opinion, what influence does linen fabric have on interior design?

Friedrich Leitner:
Linen derives its magic from its ability to achieve many different effects. Linen fabric can be used to make robust and practical items such as tea towels. This simple and durable kitchen textile was the foundation of our economic success for a long time. This is because linen has practical properties that make everyday life easier: linen absorbs moisture well and is ideal for tea towels and hand towels. Thanks to its warming or cooling effect, linen bed linen is perfect for both winter and summer. What’s more, linen is amazingly dirt-repellent. Stains on furniture, cushions, tablecloths and tea towels are easy to remove. Linen items can be used for years or even decades without showing any signs of wear and tear. These properties make linen a useful addition to any home.

Another quality lies in the aesthetic power of linen. The fabric can be woven in sophisticated ways, giving it finesse and beauty. Wonderful designs can be woven into it and retain their quality for generations. This magnificent natural fibre is full of radiance. Depending on how it is processed, the fabric emphasises the lightness of life or evokes a feeling of security and warmth. There are suitable linen items for every lifestyle. But this characteristic is truly beguiling: linen fabric has a natural sheen. True glamour can emerge from this pragmatic fabric. Whether as a dress or decorative fabric, it falls easily and smoothly. And it has a unique charisma! Linen fabric needs a stage to unfold its full magic – and LinenProject is just such a stage. Here, fine linen fabrics are given the right ambience to show off their enchanting beauty. Taste, elegance, awareness of quality – the Linen Lounge embodies these characteristics and thus perfectly showcases the same qualities of high-quality linen products.