In the Weaving and Sailmaking Shop at Museum Batavialand, you will experience how the craftsmanship of yesteryear brings shipping to life. Here sails are woven and sewn for the reconstruction of historic ships, such as the impressive mirror-return ship “De Batavia” from 1628. These crafts are indispensable for building and maintaining the ships that come to life in our museum.
The process begins in the weaving mill, where strong hemp yarns – known for their durability – are processed on antique and commercial looms. The warp yarns are stretched taut, while weft yarns are struck with force to create sturdy and windproof sailcloth. Thanks to the precision and dedication of our volunteers, this age-old technique remains alive and well.
In addition to sails, we also make seventeenth-century ship’s flags in the flag shop. Spun-out English wool, dyed with authentic dyes, is woven into beautiful flags that adorn historic ships. Making these flags is a combination of research and craft that honors our maritime history.
During your visit to the weaving and sail-making workshop, you can watch the artisans at work live. They are happy to share their knowledge about the intricate weaving process, the techniques behind the sewing of sails and the stories intertwined with these crafts. Here, history becomes visible and tangible.
Discover centuries-old shipwrecks and uncover the story of how the Zuiderzee was transformed into new land. Step aboard the Batavia, explore its decks, witness the craftsmanship of traditional wooden shipbuilding, and immerse yourself in its many stories.
