Tradition. Artistry. Flair. Spotlight on the Cloverleaf.
The Cloverleaf table linen has been around for so long that nobody here can remember when it was first woven at Mungo. It’s stayed firmly in the range because it encompasses so many of the values that are important to us: it’s made from the most sustainable natural fibre; it’s a classic that stands the test of time; it’s an insight into the history of our craft and an example of true weaving mastery.
The Cloverleaf design dates back 300 years. As the name suggests, the cloth resembles that of a four-leaf clover which is brought to life through the use of an overshot weave structure. The curved motifs that form the leaves are created with a combination of raised weft floats.
Overshot gained a place in history at the turn of the 19th century in North America, where overshot techniques were particularly popular in the design of woven bed coverlets. These unique designs, characterised by repeating geometric patterns, expressed a weaver’s identity and were often handed down through families and shared within communities, like a good family recipe.
Today the overshot is heralded by modern weavers because it evokes the magic of weaving at that time. Stuart has masterfully adapted the handwoven design to weave on our Dornier looms at the Mungo Mill in Plettenberg Bay. If you’re ever in the area, stop by. Our doors are always open for you to enjoy some of the magic of weaving too.
In his formative years, Master Weaver, Stuart Holding learned the craft of weaving on shuttle looms through an apprenticeship in the Yorkshire silk mills. Since, he has dedicated a lifetime to weaving with natural fibres – from silk, mohair and wool to cotton and linen. At one stage, he even dabbled with hair collected from the dog parlous in Cape Town. But that’s another story…
“Over the years I’ve been collecting very old textile books, and I’ve used a lot of references from there. Designs that would have been recorded on old pieces of paper, and might have been woven by a weaver all their life… I’ve always woven with natural fibres; I started in silk, and then went into cotton and wool and worsted fabrics. Besides the environmental side of things, I’m just not into industrial type weaving. The way I see it, we live in nature; we act in nature. And we weave so too.”
Generations before us have known and appreciated the qualities of linen, which is one of the world’s oldest and most naturally sustainable fibres. Once you’ve discovered the unmatched lustre and sheen of pure linen, nothing else is quite the same.
Lofty, lush and 100% linen, the Cloverleaf is a testament to true mastery, historic craft and enduring quality.
Inspired by traditional weaving techniques.
Refined by a master.
Brought to to life at the Mungo Mill in Plettenberg Bay.
Available in 4 – 16 seater tablecloths and matching napkins.
Enjoy this blog? Read more about the traditional craftsmanship and artistry that inspired another Mungo original, the Willow Weave Towel, here.
