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FUTURE FLAX

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Court of the Silver King

The inspiration for Court of the Silver King evolved through the preservation of traditional salmon fishing boats and the salmon as a source of food and an icon to the state of our seas and rivers.
Salmon. The "King of Fish” is highly regarded for its taste and texture as well as its the high content of omega 3, which is increasingly playing an important role in healthy diets. Of course salmon are not the only source of omegas and we are keen to explore some of the alternative methods of obtaining omega 3 as found in plants.
(For a full explanation of omega 3 as found in plants and fish visit Alternatives page).

One of the richest sources of omega 3 can be found in seeds of the Flax plant also known as Linseed. The fibre from the stems can be woven into the finest of linen; the strongest of ropes and can be used as an alternative to carbon fibres. The flax plant has stood the test of time and is playing an increasing role in the modern day quest for sustainable living.

Flowering fields of flax plants not only look most beautiful; the flax plant lives up to the translation of its Latin name ‘Linum usitatissimum’ Linen most useful.

Flowering flax plants and flax seeds in the Cotswolds

Varieties of flax plant grown for their fibre content have a single stem growing up to 1200mm, woven into cloth which is generally known as linen. Varieties grown for their seeds and oil content are often referred to as linseed. They have shorter branching stems and produce more seeds. Flax and linseed are different names for the same thing!

The therapeutic strength of wearing and working flax textiles imparts a sense of well being, the nutritional value of flax feeds your inner body and soul.

Our artist has drawn some of the traditional and developing uses of flax/linseed – can you spot them? Which are missing? Please let us know

Fashionable clothing – table and bed linen – sail canvas ropes and rigging – coracle, curach, and vintage aircraft coverings – tarpaulins, work wear and tents – medical bandages – artist canvas, paints and oils – alternative to carbon fibre and petrochemical based resins in composites – timber treatment – linoleum floor coverings – concrete finishing and curing - insulation board - particle board for furniture – horse bedding – bank notes and paper – milled and whole flax seeds in many foods and bakery products – cold pressed oils for food dressings – animal feeds - cosmetics, soaps.

Many of the uses of the flax plant are maritime related, we are now using flax canvas as the chosen covering for our curachs and coracles, flax is stronger than other fibres particularly when wet as it resists rot and does not abrade easily.

We have been growing and promoting the benefits of flax seed for its high omega 3, fibre, protein and lignums content and have shown how it can remarkably improve the balance of fats for the good in many foods particularly bakery products.

Naturally linseed oil is used to both preserve and enhance the appearance of timber on the boats we build. Linseed oil is also the preferred treatment for carved wooden signs, which we make and help fund the Court along with coracle courses and payment for presentations.

Flax canvas and linseed based oils are the long established choice of artists Printing inks, linen papers and lino blocks for cutting images are all from the flax plant. Printing with lino cuts will form part of the interactive educational presentations.

For many, the quality and texture of linen is unsurpassable, linen is soft and durable, unlike many textiles it does not lose its quality with cleaning. It resists stretching in use; it is non-static and anti-allergenic; naturally insect repellent and protects against UV light, its capacity to wick moisture makes it an ideal cloth to wear against the skin. Its open, airy texture search has shown that linen sheets ensure a more restful sleep.

The practice of feeding show animals linseed to give a fine, glossy coat is long established. It is being found that animals, just like humans, benefit and perform better from a varied balance of oils in their diets. Flax is included in many equestrian diets and also in feed for livestock.

Little if any fibre flax is grown in the UK or Ireland. Flax growing in the past was a highly productive industry, which declined through the industrial revolution, being replaced by cotton and synthetics. There is still a thriving flax growing industry in France, Belgium and most eastern European countries, India, China and Canada Flax growing still thrives. A combination of traditional and modern process methods have ensured the future of the crop and the high quality of the natural fibre it produces. We are growing plots of flax plant for fibre production and, in the absence of any flax processing facilities in the UK, we are recreating the traditional tools and methods used to turn flax plants from fibre to cloth. In addition to including this as part of the “Court’s” interactive exhibit, we seek to supply and encourage a growing interest in artisan flax processing methods. Both working and wearing natural fibres are a great way to improve a sense of well-being.