Zprávy památkové péče 2023, 83(3):258-269 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2023.3.03

Wool dyeing works in Brno in the light of archaeological excavations

Róbert Antal¹, Michaela Ryšková², Hynek Zbranek³

¹ Archeologický ústav AV ČR, Brno, v. v. i.

² NPÚ, Metodické centrum průmyslového dědictví v Ostravě

³ Archaia Brno, z. ú.

In recent years, rescue archaeological excavations in Brno have also been carried out at sites associated with the industrialization of the city, also focusing on production facilities and equipment. The current state of archaeological knowledge of Brno's woollen dyeing works is illustrated by three recently uncovered operations: the dyeing works of Leopold Schulze and Wenzel Schwab on Křenová Street, Springer's dyeing works on Dornych Street and the dyeing works of the Moritz E. Schwarz company on the site of the former Vlněna.  From the point of view of archaeological research, the dyeing works represent a well-interpretable type of textile operation. The necessary heating of the dye baths led to the construction of heating systems, which are reflected in the layout of the buildings. Thus, archaeologically, two different methods of direct heating - with a heating chamber built into the dye house area and with a heating corridor adjacent to the dye house – from which the heating areas of the individual dyeing boilers were served, have been documented in the examples given. The first type with a heating chamber has been archaeologically documented repeatedly over a wide time span and finds a parallel in the preserved torso of the dyeworks equipment in Úštěk, North Bohemia. On the other hand, the operation with a heating corridor has been archaeologically recorded only once. The potential of this find also lies in its preservation in situ and in its possible monument protection.

Keywords: Archaeology; industrial heritage; industrial archaeology; dyeworks; textile industry; Brno; 18th and 19th centuries

Published: December 18, 2023  Show citation