The Interactive Experience "Rīgas Audums"
Hundreds of “Rīgas audums” printed fabric patterns give us an idea about the fashion, leading art styles, technological development of the time, and tell us about textile artists’.
"Rīgas audums" silk fabric sample book (1920/1930) by «Rīgas audums»Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
About the project
In 2009, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MDAD) received an outstanding gift consisting of several “Rīgas audums” large size pattern books clad in brown cloth covers.
"Rīgas audums" silk fabric sample book (1920/1930) by "Rīgas audums"Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
About "Rīgas Audums" factory
“Rīgas audums” textile factory is one of the most recognizable names in the industrial history of Latvia. In the interwar period, Roberts Hiršsʼ owned company was a flourishing silk weaving and printing enterprise.
"Rīgas audums" fabric sample by "Rīgas audums"Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
About "Rīgas Audums" factory
After the Second World War, it was nationalized and until its closure in the 1990s it operated under the Ministry of Light Industry of the Latvian SSR.
Leading brand of fashion
In its first ten years, “Rīgas audums” became the leading brand in the fashion space of Latvia and the local ambassador of Paris vogue.
"Rīgas audums" fabric sample book by "Rīgas audums"Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
Eye-catching designs
Designed by artists and decorators, the company’s eye-catching display windows with live models acted like a magnet dragging Riga shoppers and passers-by back to his store.
"Rīgas audums" fabric sample book by "Rīgas audums"Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
Unique fabrics
During Soviet times, the factory collaborated with the fashion house “Rīgas modeļu nams”, and its designers created unique fabrics for the new collections.
"Rīgas audums" fabric sample book by "Rīgas audums"Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
“The blossoming factory”
“Rīgas audums” was known as “the blossoming factory” due to its greenhouse farming. Traditionally, delicious grapes were grown for festivities, and even in Soviet times flowering plants were blooming there.
"Rīgas audums" fabric sample book by "Rīgas audums"Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
"Rīgas audums" prints
Roses, poppies, daisies.
Geishas, jazz and space. In the course of the time “Rīgas audums” prints and patterns designed by artists experienced changes.
"Rīgas audums" silk fabric sample book (1920/1930) by "Rīgas audums"Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
Latvian textile artists
There was a professional artist behind every novelty print or pattern. In the 1960s and 70s, under the guidance of Jevgēnija Knāviņa, a lot of patterns were designed by professional Latvian textile artists – Ērika Iltnere, Ilona Ceipe, Aina Muze, Ilma Austriņa, Ieva Zaļkalne etc
Interactive experienceMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
The interactive screen
In cooperation with the company Vividly, part of printed patterns are digitalized for the “Rīgas audums” project to share information about our textile design history and make it today visible to everyone.
