A Visit to Teixits Vicens, Pollença

A Visit to Teixits Vicens, Pollença

Members of our Society recently enjoyed a fascinating visit to Teixits Vicens, where we were welcomed into the showroom and given the opportunity to walk through the textile factory and discover the remarkable craft behind Mallorca’s famous ikat fabrics.

Teixits Vicens is a family business now in the hands of its fourth generation of owners, and their dedication to preserving traditional Mallorcan textile-making is truly impressive. What makes their work so extraordinary is that almost everything is done by hand. Apart from purchasing the cotton and linen thread and the pigments, every stage of production takes place in-house.

We learned that the process begins with the preparation of bobbins and skeins, followed by the painstaking laying out of the pattern, thread by thread. For a fabric width of just 1.50 metres, no fewer than 1,200 threads must be arranged individually. The sections of thread that are to remain undyed are then carefully bound off using rubber hose before the yarn is dyed, dried, and remounted into the loom for weaving.

Depending on the complexity of the chosen ikat design, producing just 200 metres of fabric can take up to two months. At any one time, up to fifteen different patterns may be worked on in parallel. Seeing this intricate and highly skilled process first-hand made us fully appreciate the value of authentic handmade ikat and understand why such fabrics command their price.

Using their own woven fabrics, Teixits Vicens also creates a wide range of beautifully designed products, from placemats and sofa coverings to bags, backpacks, and even dog baskets. Much of this contemporary design direction comes from the granddaughter of the post-war owners, who is bringing fresh ideas and modern relevance to the family tradition while remaining faithful to its heritage.

One particularly useful lesson from the visit was learning how to distinguish genuine ikat from cheap printed imitations. In authentic ikat, the pattern is woven into the fabric itself, so both sides look identical. Printed reproductions, by contrast, reveal their inferior quality immediately when viewed from the reverse side. Teixits Vicens also uses a blend of cotton and linen threads in the warp, which gives the fabric exceptional durability and strength.

We left deeply impressed by both the artistry and the labour involved. The visit offered a wonderful glimpse into Mallorca’s rich artisanal culture and reminded us that the island has far more to offer than simply sea, sand, and sunshine.

Afterwards, we rounded off the day with an excellent lunch at Q11 Restaurant in the main square of Pollença, where we had time to reflect on a memorable and inspiring experience.

Photos by Steve Cochran and Eddie Erlank