Historical information

Part of the Zakrzewski Collection of spinning wheels donated to the National Wool Museum by Mr Wlodzimierz Zakrzewski. For many years, Mr Zakrzewski collected, researched and repaired spinning wheels from all over the world. This wheel is from Northern France-Flanders and was used for spinning flax to make the fine thread needed for lace making. It dates from the 19th century and bears the names Thirion and Villotte. Research by Mr Zakrzewski indicates that Villotte was a tiny village in the north of France and that Thirion is probably the name of the maker. This wheel was purchased from Margaret and Joan Mellor who were well known in Melbourne as teachers of hand spinning and weaving.

Physical description

Part of the Zakrzewski Spinning Wheel collection.

Inscriptions & markings

Thirion / Villotte