Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Trois-Tours factory, founded in 1829 by Fey and Martin, was established in 1841 in the former post office at the Au Lion d This original building, which was redeveloped to house offices and housing, was completed by workshops designed for Jacquard trades, which had been introduced since the 1840s. These machines, patented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 1801, allow to produce silks of wide width (130 cm) and diversify the range of fabrics, while reducing labour costs. The inauguration of a large workshop in 1853 marks a key step, celebrated by employers and workers.

The architecture of the factory evolves by successive additions: a workshop with a metal structure, built in 1890 by the architect Guérin, and a last building covered with sheds in 1903, permanently closes the central courtyard. These extensions reflect the adaptation to industrial needs, from an artisanal model to centralized production. The proximity to Paris, facilitated by the diligences and then the railway, allows a rapid transport of the fabrics, used in the palaces. The name changed several times (Démonté and Poirier in 1875, Combé and Delaforge in 1898, etc.), but the production tool, classified as a historical monument in 1999, remained mainly artisanal, with still-standing trades.

The manufacture continues the Tourangelle Silk tradition, which was revived after its decline in the 17th century. Its archives, covering models from the 17th century to 1930, bear witness to its role in textile innovation, notably through printing on the board and early adoption of Jacquard trades. Today, the company, still active under the name Le Manach Georges SA, reproduces historical fabrics and preserves in situ almost all of its original buildings. This site illustrates the three phases of industrial architecture: reuse of existing structures, centralized functional construction, and the adoption of modern materials such as sheds.

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