Haus der Seidenkultur: Foundations cast for the next 100 years

The surveying work having been completed, refurbishment work has now begun at the Haus der Seidenkultur (HdS). Yesterday, Tuesday (11th September), a new ground slab was cast in concrete: “That means that the former Hubert Gotzes weaving workshop for ecclesiastical textiles will now stand on firm foundations for the next hundred years,” is how HdS Chairman Hansgeorg Hauser, announced the start of the visible refurbishment phase of the nostalgic building at Luisenstraße 15.

The concrete reinforcement was put in place at the beginning of the week: The top and bottom steel reinforcement bars together with the concrete itself ensure the appropriate stability of the structural element.
“Thanks to the donations made by numerous private individuals, companies, organisations and associations, we have literally been able to place our building on new foundations,” said Hauser thanking all those for whom it is important that the Haus der Seidenkultur is maintained as an authentic facility where former craftsmanship is demonstrated in practice and the textile history of Krefeld is vividly depicted.”

Through the joint endeavours to maintain the museum, a particular friendship with evolving future perspectives has been built up with “Creinvelt”, the association for the preservation, promotion and spread of local town traditions,”said Hauser during a press conference at which, standing side by side with the Creinvelt Chairman, Wilhelm Havermann, he points to the new foundations which now bear the name “Creinvelt-Gewerk”. 
“We are still dependent on donations in order to ensure the safety of our museum”, says Hauser indicating once again the details of the donation account (no. 342642) at the Sparkasse Krefeld (bank code 32050000); “Each old stone may conceal a surprise which could require financing.”

The large concrete mixer in front of Haus der Seidenkultur.

The “Creinvelt-Gewerk“ will in future support Haus der Seidenkultur.
HdS-photos: Brenner