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When Juan Ruiz –textile engineer– and Marta Ribas –social worker– landed in Terrassa in the 1980s to set up there, in a city with a long tradition in the textile sector, the Teixidors project, they did so with a clear, committed and honest vision: to provide work for people with functional and intellectual diversity, using the loom as a therapeutic tool and as a means of social integration.
Many things have happened since 1983, but the main one is that their development and consolidation in the sector has been carried out by remaining faithful to the foundational pillars of their origins, making possible, in turn, a balanced project that combines a therapeutic activity and an economic-business activity.
Teixidors has its only physical store in TerrassaAround 35 people work in the Teixidors workshops, who, using artisanal looms, weave scarves, shawls, blankets, cushion covers, bedspreads and a long etcetera of products for the home and clothing. And, for some time now, also with special series for hotels or the fieldcontract. Regarding its raw materials, the quality is exceptional:woolmerino, cashmere,linen, silk,yak… all natural and ecological and come from Europe.
With a production process and finishes totally respectful of the environment, their products are even more unique. Visually, the "deliciously imperfect" feature of the edges of the pieces allows us to understand their authenticity; a condition that is only achieved when the loom is manual (and not industrial). Also, due to the twenty wooden looms they work with, all pieces are unique, so production is limited and in short runs. After five years at Teixidors, workers receive a diploma from the Consorci de Comerç, Artesania i Moda de Catalunya
In 2006, Teixidors decided to open up to design and internationalization, a step that has led them to participate in international fairs such as Maison & Objet Paris, ICFF New York or the Salone del Mobile in Milan.
"Abroad and in a country like the United States, products made in Europe are valued, and the 'Barcelona' brand has a lot of power," explains Johanna Thörnblad, who took over the management of Teixidors in 2017.Winner of numerous international awards, their products can be found at Dopo Domani Berlin; Space Furniture in Singapore; Le Bon Marché in Paris; ABC Carpet in New York or the Tom Dixon store in London, among a long list ofconcept-storesin more than 30 countries including Japan, Australia or the United States. The latter country is its strongest international market.
"Abroad and in a country like the United States, the product made in Europe is valued and the 'Barcelona' brand has a lot of power. In a market like China, where we are just entering, a product woven on a hand loom is a unique product, impossible to replicate," explains Johanna Thörnblad, who took over the management of Teixidors in 2017.
The Hotel Neri, Monument Hotel and Margot House, all in Barcelona, have chosen to work with TeixidorsFor Thörnblad, the biggest challenge during this time has been to guarantee the sustainability of the project, updating the product in such a competitive market. For this reason, she explains that collaborations with artists and designers have been key as they have allowed them to understand the value of the product as well as give it an exclusive identity based on design.
After collaborations with Cristian Zuzunaga or the creative studio Pensando en Blanco, this autumn sees the arrival of a collection of plaids together with the renowned British designer Faye Toogood, who has worked for firms such as Hermès or Stella McCartney. "Design is a very interesting strategic action for the future of Teixidors," says Thörnblad.
LOCAL, SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Regarding the relationship with the client and the value that this type of product has in the current market, Johanna Thörnblad explains that "not sharing Teixidors' message of social inclusion with the client is not sharing that this is part of a very beautiful and very important project for a better society. We are sure that, when a client has the opportunity to choose between a product with a high level of design and quality, they opt for a product that offers this added value."
Núria Bitria, creative director of Teixidors, also works on the integrity of the company, asserting that "among the most interesting aspects of this project is the fact of being able to verify that it is possible to develop a product that, on the one hand, is in tune with international style trends and, on the other hand, maintains its identity by defending values of local, social and sustainable development."
Another key figure is Sofia Agerberth. The commercial director joined the project in 2010 at a time when the focus was on export and reaching new markets. Of this whole journey, she says: "It has been a challenge to get to where we are currently positioned in the international market. Boosting the product and working with the most prominent stores in the world has been very interesting. It is fascinating to see that the Teixidors product has its market among clients who seek values."
Three professionals who, along with Jaume Mas, technical director of Teixidors, ardently defend a project that has been running for 35 years. Regarding what is to come, the strength and courage are unbeatable. For a year now, Teixidors has been part of the Fundació Privada President Amat Roumens (FUPAR) of Terrassa. With the support of its management and the Terrassa City Council, during 2019, the company will move its workshop and offices to an emblematic building linked to the textile history of Terrassa. A positive change that will arrive as a new impulse to continue working, betting, and growing a project that demonstrates how far we can go when the proposal is firm and our heart leads us to weave more inclusive and just societies.
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