Weaving time,transmitting the craft
For more than 150 years, the same family has been weaving the history of Maison Moutet in Orthez. Five generations have followed one another, each bringing their own vision, with a single ambition: to keep an exceptional textile know-how alive.
The origins
The adventure began in 1874, when Jean-Baptiste Moutet bought the fabric store “Au coin de la rue” in the heart of Orthez’s city center.
Believing that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself, in 1913 he created his first weaving workshop to produce his own coutils—Pyrenees linen fabrics used to make clothing.
mechanization
Considered a founding year for the establishment, 1919 marked the mechanization of weaving under the impetus of Georges Moutet.
Driven by the popularity of "Basque Linen," the manufacturing of Tissage Moutet expanded across France.
INDUSTRIALIZATION
Jacques Moutet revolutionized the workshop by investing in Jacquard looms. Production demand was such that he built a model, ultra-modern factory which, in the 1970s, became one of the leading French table and household linen companies.
The company was a founding member of the "Syndicat de tisseurs de linge basque d’origine" (Union of Original Basque Linen Weavers), which from 1953 brought together a dozen manufacturers from Béarn and the Basque Country to protect and promote the "Basque Linen" product.
THE MOUTET SIGNATURE
In the late 1990s, the crisis would get the better of the weaving mill, but not the determination of Catherine Moutet, wife of Georges Moutet (son of Jacques Moutet). She rolled up her sleeves and took over the company, becoming the first woman to lead Tissage Moutet.
Catherine Moutet reinvented table linens by calling on international designers to create unique and colorful collections.
PROMOTING EXPERTISE
Benjamin Moutet, the founder's great-great-grandson, took over the weaving mill in 2010, strengthening its local roots by obtaining the Basque Linen Geographical Indication while
developing innovative projects.
Committed to creativity, he established a research and development program to push the boundaries of weaving.
ARTISAN INTELLIGENCE
Our development model is based on Artisanal Intelligence, an approach that combines mastery of Craftsmanship, the dynamics of the Human element, and the creation of Value. It relies on the transmission of expertise, experience, and collective intelligence to make our artisanal heritage a true driver of innovation and sustainable development.
Benjamin Moutet
5th generation
" Since 1874, we have woven far more than threads; we have intertwined stories, traditions, and dreams.
Our 100% French-made creations shine both on the national and international market, illustrating the excellence of our House in every corner of the globe. "
Our heritage, our commitment
Our textile heritage, the source of our manufacturing, our creativity, and our values.
100% made in France
The transmission of expertise is a fundamental value that has been cultivated since the company’s inception.
A bold creation, rooted in its territory
Nourished by our archives and the heritage of Basque linen, we are shaking up the codes of household linen to play our part in the world of tomorrow.
TRANSMISSION AND Sharing
Since 1874, we have been kindly weaving products that convey conviviality and a sense of sharing.
Moutet today
Even today, in our workshop in Orthez, we weave with the same passion pieces made to last, to bring people together, and to be passed down. This story is also yours: every tablecloth laid, every tea towel shared writes a new chapter.
