Sheep in Europe – romantic or hard work? The answer is multifaceted, as the animal raw material wool stands like few others at the intersection of tradition and sustainability. In line with the current special exhibition "From Wool", the LVR Industrial Museum invites you to engage with the topic through the film “the WOOL of the HUMAN the SHEEP” by Walter Aigner and to discuss with further actors involved in sheep farming and wool processing.

The filmmaker Aigner has traveled across Europe, researched and documented. His impressive film premiered in spring and is now shown in the historical shed hall of the Müller textile factory. Following the screening, there will be a discussion round with him, Frieda Feld from rh:ool Yarn, Simon Darscheid, a shepherd and chairman of the sheep breeding association in the Bergisches Land district, as well as with the audience about the challenges of European sheep farming and the importance of sustainability. The moderation will be led by Dr. Christiane Lamberty, curator of the exhibition.
Aigner advocates for a higher appreciation of wool, but also for the entire work that especially migratory shepherds do with their herds for the protection and preservation of cultural landscapes. The role of sheep for the protection against wildfires or erosion is growing in importance. However, this significance is by no means reflected in adequate wool prices or a higher demand for the resulting wool quantities. In Germany, only about 30% of the wool is used. The question of suitable utilization chains often arises, especially for smaller quantities. Any wool can be a "top product" if the right know-how is applied to it. From Romania to Portugal, Aigner has met people who are working with great commitment and conviction to ensure that this once valuable raw material no longer ends up in the fire. It is not only about wool being used as a material for clothing, home textiles, or construction. The environment also suffers losses due to the decline in sheep farming. The grazing by sheep promotes biodiversity in nature and landscape maintenance, for example, on dikes. The circle closes when – like nearby in Düsseldorf and Cologne – the wool of the so-called "Rheinschafe" is marketed as yarns for sweaters or scarves through the initiative rh:ool Yarn.

The event is aimed at professionals, but also at end consumers who need to reflect on their consumption habits and are looking for alternatives to the climate-damaging consumption of cheap mass goods.

For guests of the evening event, there is also the opportunity to join a guided tour of the special exhibition: at 4:00 p.m. there will be special insights into the creation of the exhibition with the curator. Participation costs 3 euros, and the number of guests is limited.

There is a public tour taking place at 2:30 p.m., participation also costs 3 euros plus admission. All tickets are available in advance in the webshop or on-site at the museum ticket office. 

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Costs: variable
Location: Euskirchen, LVR Industrial Museum Müller Textile Factory, Carl-Koenen-Straße 25b
Info Tel.: 02234. 9921555
E-Mail: info@kulturinfo-rheinland.de