La fouleuse de tissus

Manufactured by: Ateliers Raxhon, Theux, in the 1950sOrigin: Les Apprêts Deforges finishing workshop, in DisonVerviers Museum Collection: No. A97This machine, first used in 1833 as a replacement for the fulling stock, enabled a considerable increase in the production of woollen cloth. Thanks to this machine, tightening of the threads is much more efficient. The piece of fabric is pulled between turning and pressing rollers. The machine is made up of a closed wooden tray containing hot water to which soap, alkalis, urine and fuller's earth have been added. Fulling is carried out almost exclusively carded and rarely combed. After fulling, it should not be possible to see the fabric's "tapestry".This machine was also called the "Polka fuller". On the first specimen, the operator placed a small puppet (unless it was the machine regulator) and, due to the vibrations of the machine (which was perhaps poorly adjusted), the puppet wiggled about as if it was dancing the polka.