Silk textiles, crisis and adaptative strategies in Catalonia, 1770–1850s (Barcelona and Manresa)

Abstract

This article compares the impact of the economic crisis of 1787–1832, including the war and the loss of colonial markets, on the silk industry in Barcelona and Manresa, the two main centres of silk production in eighteenth-century Catalonia. In particular, it explores how families adopted different strategies in adapting to the crisis. Some moved into different sectors, including the emerging cotton industry, sometimes accompanied by geographical mobility. Others innovated by manufacturing specialised products, such as ribbons and handkerchiefs, often taking advantage of technological innovations in the textile industry. The article also offers some reflections on the role of women in these adaptative strategies, as far as the limited evidence allows.

A Study on Migrated Silk Entrepreneurs for Economic Impact with Special Reference to Kancheepuram

“…Challenges identified, such as market competition, access to capital, and regulatory hurdles, echo the broader literature on entrepreneurship in developing economies (Bukhari & Kour, 2019;Solà Parera et al, 2020). This research enriches the conversation by offering a localized perspective, illustrating how these challenges are magnified in the traditional and geographically concentrated silk industry of Kancheepuram.…”

“…Solà Parera et al (2020) compare the economic resilience of the silk industry in Barcelona and Manresa during the economic crisis of 1787-1832. Through historical analysis, the study unveils the adaptive strategies employed by silk producers, from diversifying into emerging sectors to innovating within the silk industry itself.…”

gremio cuando interesa

“…Una de las salidas de la crisis del siglo XIX en Manresa serà la producción de galones y cintas. Ello explica que los tejedores de velos quisiesen recuperar una tradición que venía de cuando formaban gremio con los galoneros y cordoneros (Ferrer Alos, 2011b;Ferrer Alos et al, 2020).…”

“…La crisis de finales del siglo XVIII paralizó la industria sedera y supuso el inicio de un proceso de reconversión: emigración, adopción del algodón y la lana, inversión en tierras, paso a la cintería… (Ferrer Alos et al, 2020) (Ferrer Alos, 1999Serra Rotes, 2020). El gremio subsistió, aunque la participación en las juntas estuvo siempre bajo mínimos y su papel de lobby fue desapareciendo.…”