Kubák Weaving Mill
Founded 1870
History
1654
Nine Weavers in Strmilov
The weavers of Strmilov are part of the Jindřichohradecký Weavers' Guild, but are striving for independence.
1718
The Strmilov Weavers' Guild is founded
This has contributed to the considerable development of the weaving industry. In 1757, weavers made up almost a third of the population of Strmilov. Weaving families grew and built new houses on the outskirts of the town because of the danger of fire. This is how streets such as Zahradnicka, Obcizna or Pazderna (Kunzhatecka) were created. The factories were abolished in 1859 and then it was offered to start their own businesses.
1870
Foundation of a weaving shop
Eleven years after the abolition of the guild, František Kubák founded his own weaving shop in the then No. 266. At the same time he took over the factory of the Viennese firm Kunz Söhne. Factoring for rural weavers meant work for large weaving companies in the big cities, which could not meet the ever-increasing demand and for whom rural factories meant cheap and high-quality labour. Weavers usually had their own production to add to this.
The weaving mill at that time produced oriental cotton scarves that were exported as far as the Balkan countries or Turkey. Also furniture fabrics, towels, bed linen and also woolen scarves.
1897
The company was taken over by František Kubák the Younger
during whose short tenure, the company developed greatly. Two more factories were established and at the same time decorative fabrics were produced in artistic designs.
1900
The company returns to the hands of founder František Kubák
When František Kubák the younger left to gain experience in other businesses. He studied and worked in Vienna and many other places. Eventually he became a professor at the weaving school in Ústí nad Orlicí. He was also active in literature, writing about two hundred technical articles and a professional publication Practical Handbook on Mechanical Looms.
1910
Ferdinand Kubák became the next owner of the weaving mill
The next owner of the weaving mill was Ferdinand Kubák, but in 1914 he had to enlist and production was resumed after the war in 1918. After that, luxury fabrics were produced for Prague fashion houses and Artěl, as well as damasks and bedding textiles. In 1918 production was also relocated to the present building No. 25.
1948
Nationalization
After the nationalization of 1948 the workshops survived for two more years. The production was resumed again in 1955, when the workshop fell under the Centre of Folk Art Production (ÚLUV). At this time, Ferdinand Kubák the Younger became the manager. Fabrics with traditional, but gradually also modern patterns, decorative and furniture fabrics are woven here. The products from the Strmilov weaving mill were also exported abroad, celebrating successes at foreign exhibitions, but of course also in our country. During this period the weaving mill was very prosperous, a large amount of decorative, upholstery and other fabrics were produced, a new building was added and 10 to 14 employees worked there.
1992
Restitution
the workshop was returned in restitution to the original owner Ferdinand Kubák and in the mid-1990s it was taken over by his son Zdeněk Kubák with his sister Jana Bradová. The production continues in a programme of purely natural fabrics.
2010
Jana Bradová donates her share in the company to Filip Kubák
Since 2010, his son Filip Kubák has been running the company together with Zdeněk Kubák and has gradually taken over the management position.
About us
We are Kubák Strmilov Weaving Mill, a family company with a rich tradition dating back to 1870, when our workshop was founded by the great-grandfather of the current owner. Since then, the art of weaving and family know-how has been passed down from father to son, thus maintaining and developing a unique craft for many generations.
Today we specialize primarily in the production of designer home textiles, including quilts, bedspreads, tablecloths, bed linens, decorative fabrics and other textile products. We use only 100% natural materials such as wool, cotton and linen in our production. Our products are unique not only because of the quality of the natural materials used, but also because of the careful handcrafting and production on preserved original looms. The predominantly Czech wool is processed here from fleece to finished product, allowing us to offer truly original and quality products.
Throughout our company's history, we have worked closely with artists, designers, architects and fashion designers to create textiles with added aesthetic and timeless value. We maintain original manufacturing processes and family know-how, allowing us to offer authentic and honest products. Almost all of our machines are vintage and their slow but meticulous production, together with a huge proportion of handmade work, guarantees the highest quality of our products.
We also work with textile workshops throughout Europe to offer our customers products exactly to their liking. This ensures a wide range of options and customisation to satisfy even the most demanding requirements of our clients.
Explore our weaving mill and discover the beauty and quality of our precision woven textiles, which carry a rich family tradition and craftsmanship.
Award
2003
Zdeněk Kubák receives the Ministry of Culture's "Bearer of Tradition" award
2020
Zdeněk Kubák receives the Ministry of Culture's award "NOSITEL TRADITION"
2021
Winning CZECH GRAND DESIGN in the Manufacturer of the Year category
2nd place in the competition Company of the Year of the South Bohemian Region
2023
The Governor's Award for maintaining and developing the production of woollen textiles in the region
Videa
Under the hands of Filip Kubák from Material times
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsQcseVRO6I&t=2s
Lemarket presents Kubak weaving mill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPCdFNsA2Qk&t=57s
Report from Czech Television's Geyser
https://youtu.be/84WOCxbDUsw?si=gq9z8ZP9a95fSN5K Facebook Instagram 
"The Kubaks still use natural materials such as wool, cotton and linen to make their designer blankets, throws and tablecloths. The approach of this family-run company may pay homage to tradition, but as you can see for yourself, it can create very sophisticated products in terms of design."