Towels For The Taking

As we move into the new season we look to freshen up our homes, and the discerning Spring cleaner will be pleased to know that we are offering 70% off our range of Antique French linen tea towels, floor cloths and table linen with the code ARCHIVE...

France has long been known for its craftsmanship and production of high quality linen, made with locally grown flax. Its excellent quality is said to be achieved through a unique combination of a natural, damp ocean climate, flax’s low thermal density, a rich soil and the experience of the flax growers themselves.

Used not only for its durable quality but also its association with wealth; for centuries linen textiles were the most expensive and treasured items of the household. Selvedge is offering a selection of monogrammed French linen tea towels from the 19th century, in a natural cream colour with stripes or checks. Extremely durable, absorbent and quick to dry, the linen softens with every wash. Clean them as you would cotton, air dry and iron when damp.

The red cross-stitch monogram was historically used as an identifiable marker on textiles to avoid any mix-ups on wash-day, when the whole community would gather at the local washpool to scrub their household linen. The colour red has its origins in the ancient custom of marking one’s possessions in blood, and later it was a tradition for brides throughout Western Europe to embroider initials onto their trousseaus, which often included linen aprons. To collect your own piece of history, and a durable cloth that will see you through many a Spring to come, you can take a look at our antique linen collection here.

You can receive 70% off with the code ARCHIVE.

You can also browse our entire Easter sale collection here.