RE/SOURCE: Material Exchange of Knowledge

In February, the MoMu Library once again played host to RE/SOURCE. Organised by textile shop and digital platform Bakermat, this travelling textile fair aims to give customers access to the surplus stock of its partner textile manufacturers.

A man in a blue jacket and plaid skirt is looking at fabric swatches on a table in the reading room of a library.

For one Saturday only, the library tables were not stacked with books, but adorned with over 1,000 samples of deadstock fabrics. From fashion students to hobbyists and professional designers, there was something for everyone who loves making clothes.

"We think it’s important that visitors are presented with plenty of choice and can consciously select fabrics from specific manufacturers," says Cédric Jacquemyn of Bakermat. "For us, design begins with the material, which is why this initiative seeks to connect fabric producers with the next generation of designers. If we’re serious about sustainability, you simply can’t design without understanding the material you’re working with."

That’s why Bakermat organises its selection into several categories. Jacquemyn explains: "We offer fabrics from heritage suppliers, local producers, and innovative manufacturers with a strong design focus. Our oldest heritage partners have been producing textiles since 1870 and manage every stage of production, from fibre to finished fabric. This allows them to fully embed sustainability into their process. Then there’s Libeco, a key local manufacturer. Not only are the fabrics Belgian-made, but so are the crops and the weaving itself. We also collaborate with companies pioneering more sustainable dyeing methods or working with recycled fibres to weave new textiles."

A group of people look at fabric swatches; they sit or stand at a table where several swatches are scattered.

"These manufacturers often have vast archives," Jacquemyn adds. "So, showcasing their fabrics in a library setting felt entirely fitting. In both cases, it’s about passing on knowledge and preserving heritage." MoMu librarian Birgit Ansoms agrees: "As information providers, we love seeing people connect with our library and study collection in this way. It’s a great way to engage with the public."

Want to be part of the next one? The next edition of RE/SOURCE will take place in November 2025 at the MoMu Library. Keep an eye on the activities calendar!

Written by Baptiste Painblanc.