A Journey Through the History of Beauvillé
Let us journey back in time and explore the origins of Beauvillé—a story closely intertwined with the evolution of the textile industry in Alsace. In the 16th century, under the reign of Charles V, King of Spain and ruler of the Netherlands, Protestant Dutch citizens who supported the Reformation were expelled from Holland. Seeking refuge, they settled in northeastern France, in the region now known as Alsace. These refugees brought with them two invaluable skills: weaving and dyeing. Weaving took root in Lorraine, while dyeing developed in Switzerland, particularly in Mulhouse, which at the time was part of a Swiss county.
Alsace saw the emergence of textile manufacturing, marking the beginning of its industrial development. In 1746, three residents of Mulhouse founded a fabric printing workshop, followed by fifteen others over the next 22 years. Many industrialists established themselves in Upper Alsace and the Vosges valleys, among them Philippe Steffan and Jean-Georges Reber, who in 1756 founded Steffan & Cie, the forerunner of today’s renowned “Manufacture d’Impression sur Étoffes.”
Why Ribeauvillé?
Philippe Steffan made the strategic decision to establish his factory in Ribeauvillé in response to a specific request from the Count of Ribeaupierre, who held authority over the region at the time. This location offered significant advantages, including privileged access to local resources and institutional support crucial for the company’s development.
After Philippe Steffan’s death in 1778, the factory underwent several ownership changes. However, a major turning point came in 1839 when Charles-Emile Steiner acquired the business. Under his leadership, the company adopted an innovative dyeing process, marking the beginning of a new era of prosperity and renown.
Over the years, the factory passed through the hands of different families, each contributing to its growth and legacy. Eventually, the Borin family took over two generations ago. Under their leadership, the company has successfully combined tradition with innovation, preserving ancestral know-how while integrating modern technology and contemporary management practices.
Today, thanks to the dedication and vision of the Borin family, the Beauvillé factory continues to thrive, carrying on its remarkable legacy while remaining deeply rooted in the beautiful region of Ribeauvillé.
The Modern Era of Beauvillé
In 1979, a new chapter began with the creation of the Beauvillé brand by Jean-Michel Borin. The name was carefully chosen to reflect the brand’s deep connection to its historical roots.
Today, the “Manufacture d’Impression sur Étoffes” (MIE), our parent company, specializes in textile printing for interior design. It collaborates with renowned design houses such as Pierre Frey and prestigious clients like the Château de Versailles. MIE is the last company in Europe to use the traditional hand flat-frame printing technique. Additionally, it controls the entire production process in-house, with no subcontracting, offering a unique expertise that continues to attract clients from around the world.
The Excellence of MIE
What sets MIE apart is its distinction as the last remaining company in Europe to practice hand flat-frame printing. Alongside this artisanal technique, the factory manages the full production process internally. Clients come with a concept and a design and rely on our expertise to bring their vision to life. Recently, Maison Frey and the Château de Versailles called upon our services to restore the Queen’s private apartments—a testament to our exceptional craftsmanship.
Thus, the story of Beauvillé is not only that of a company, but also of a rich cultural and artisanal heritage deeply rooted in the Alsatian landscape, perpetuating a longstanding tradition of excellence and innovation in the textile arts.
