He perfected a technique for weaving patterns into linen fabric, becoming the first and only person able to create single decorations that spanned the entire breadth of the fabric without repeating. How did he do it? He took that secret to his grave. It was more than 200 years later the invention of a loom could achieve the same effect. One of Lammertijn’s customers was the States General, to whom he supplied tablecloths, towels and napkins intended as state gifts for visiting European royalty. This work served to boost his reputation internationally as well. The Rijksmuseum holds the world’s largest collection of linen damask. It includes highlights of Passchier Lammertijn’s work, such as napkins featuring coats of arms and tablecloths decorated with trompe l’oeil tableware.
Getting started with the collection: