Framed Antique French Silk Ribbon Flowers Butterflies Jacquard Textile Archive

Beautiful ribbon from a sampler book-French antique, circa 1890s. I've framed each ribbon in a bespoke colour frame (pink or green) and mounted it on a cream mount prior.

The antique ribbons originates from Saint-Étienne, the historic heart of French ribbon making, and is attributed to celebrated makers such as Bélinac & Durieux (1891–1897). A true collector’s piece, rich in detail and craftsmanship.

I managed to find out who the designer/manufacturer is by looking at the "registres déposés au Conseil des Prud'hommes" which kept a record of new ribbon designs (https://mai.saint-etienne.fr). They are available in the archives of the Musee d'Art et D'industrie in St Etienne, France.

Details
45.5 x 11.2 cm
18 x 4 1/2 ins

Styling Ideas
A beautiful frame to hang on a gallery wall- each piece is totally unique.

Perfect For
Textile collectors
Lovers of antique details
Thoughtful, artistic gifts
Styling & decorative use
wedding styling

Why This Is Special
Rare Saint-Étienne silk ribbons
One-of-a-kind
Both practical and collectible

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The city of Saint-Étienne holds a remarkable place in the history of French textiles as a global centre of ribbon manufacture. Emerging from early silk weaving traditions closely tied to Lyon’s famed silk trade, ribbon-making in the Saint-Étienne region took off from the late 18th century, with mechanical looms and adaptations of the Jacquard mechanism dramatically expanding the variety and quality of silk ribbons produced. By the period 1815–1856, the industry reached its “golden age”, shaping both the urban landscape and local communities as thousands of workers crafted fashionable ribbons that adorned clothing, accessories and décor across Europe and beyond. The city’s Musée d’Art et d’Industrie today preserves one of the world’s largest collections of historic silk ribbons, underlining the cultural and industrial importance of this craft.

The ribbon and textile tradition of the region includes historic firms such as Bélinac, founded in 1882 in Aurec-sur-Loire by Albert Bélinac, who was a pioneer in using mechanical broché looms specialised for silk ribbon weaving. In 1906, Bélinac moved its operations to Saint-Étienne, situating his factory between key silk industry sites — the Condition des Soies and Place Jacquard — and contributing to the city’s enduring reputation as a centre of refined textile production.