Learn about Beninese weaving

2.5 hours of training with Estelle and Geroges

Knowledge of Beninese weaving

Your unique creation

€70

per person

Gift the workshop

The workshop in detail

2h30

3 participants max

15 years min.

Estelle and Georges welcome you to their workshop, which they share with other artisans who also work with textiles. You will be directly immersed within this colourful universe!

After a quick introduction, Estelle and Georges will explain how to prepare your weft yarn on the loom, that is, how to thread the spool. You will then begin to become familiar with the movements used in weaving, coordinating your feet and your hands.

You will learn to weave and form a dense band. Once you have learned the basics, you will try your hand at various materials, colours, and fabric qualities, on the three different warps.

Beninese weaving is a unique and rare form of expertise! Georges and Estelle weave on Georges' African loom, which originates directly from Benin. The unique thing about this weaving method is that fabric strips are produced and then joined together afterwards if a larger piece of material is needed.

Live this unique experience, discover what weaving is, and learn about an ancient expertise and the Beninese culture!

You will leave this workshop with a unique creation and an unforgettable memory of your time spent learning the Beninese weaving technique!

Workshop location

Estelle and George's workshop is located in Anderlecht. It can be reached by metro or tram.

This place is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Additional information

Language of the workshop

Français

Meet Estelle & Georges

Weavers

Estelle trained in textile design at a major visual arts school in Brussels. In 2014, she left for an internship in southern Benin, where she met Georges. He shared with her his passion and expertise in the use of the Beninese loom for a number of months. Estelle stepped out of this immersive experience in order to finish her degree, before returning for a year to deepen her knowledge. She is continuing her Master's degree, working alongside Georges, and together they create bridges between Benin and Belgium, collaborating on unique creations such as a traditional Beninese loincloth woven in Flanders, and hammocks created by both artisans working together in tandem.

Since July 2021, Georges has settled permanently in Brussels and they have launched their project together. They produce mainly furniture textiles and are keen to share the unique skill of Beninese weaving. They also work in an eco-responsible manner, and practice upcycling.

It's through educating others that Estelle and Georges get to share their love of their craft. Meet them, and you're'll be guaranteed an unforgettable time in their company!

Meet Estelle & Georges

5 comments

Stéphanie S

1/30/2024

Atelier vraiment très sympa ! J'ai tellement aimé que je me suis inscrite à l'atelier pour tisser une housse de coussin :-)

Stéphanie R

12/24/2023

Expérience très intéressante, on a bien le temps de découvrir comment tisser. On repart avec ce qu'on a tissé. Je pense que commencer par l'atelier découverte est très bien pour savoir si on va apprécier la technique.

Charlotte S

11/27/2023

Merci beaucoup pour ce très bel atelier. Il a été très bien expliqué comment tout est assemblé et comment cela fonctionne. J'ai également pu tester plusieurs motifs, ce qui est très instructif. Merci!