Indigo dye-works tour at Handblaudruckerei Wagner

Blueprinting: an old tradition

Blueprinting is an ancient tradition that originated in Asia and found its way to Europe in the Middle Ages. In Europe, the technique of blue printing was met with enthusiasm and the fabrics known as "Indiennes" were in great demand. In rural areas, blue printing on linen soon caught on, linen was considered robust and hard-wearing and the dark garments were dirt-resistant and therefore suitable as work clothing. In some regions, blue printers were organized in a separate guild, as they were the only dyers who also had to master the technique of printing.

In 1832, there were still 17 dyeing businesses in Austria in the Mühlviertel alone, some of which also practiced the technique of blue printing. Today, only the Wagner family still keeps this old technique alive in the Mühlviertel. There are still two active blueprinting businesses in Austria. Blaudruckerei Wagner has existed since 1878 and the company has been run as a family business from the very beginning. Blueprinting is traditionally produced on linen, printed and dyed by hand.

Experience blue printing at Blaudruckerei Wagner

The old craft of blueprinting is almost extinct in German-speaking countries. Together with a few blueprinters in Austria and Germany, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving this old tradition. A visit to our workshop in Bad Leonfelden gives visitors an intensive insight into the craft of blue printing. Take a guided tour of the workshop and find out how blueprinting works, how the fabrics are prepared and dyed and what unique items of clothing and decorative elements the blueprint fabrics are made into.