Salzburg’s only quill-embroidery workshop marks 40 years

Salzburg’s only quill-embroidery workshop is marking 40 years, with the craft now carried on by the founders’ next generation, ORF reports.

Herbert Klieber and Walter Grübl started the business in Eben, in the Pongau region, working from a 16-square-metre space. Today, intricate patterns are stitched into leather in St. Martin am Tennengebirge, another Pongau municipality.

The founders taught themselves through trial and error. Grübl said they had no specialist books, internet access for research or craft fairs where they could learn from other artisans.

The embroidery tradition is much older than the workshop and has been recognised as intangible cultural heritage since 2019. It is used to decorate belts worn by traditional dancers, whip crackers and traditional costume associations. Completing the patterns can take weeks or months.

Klieber and Grübl are now retired, but still advise the next generation, including Klieber’s sons Philipp and Josua. They are particularly consulted on repairs to old belts. Josua said their experience was valuable, while Philipp said he hoped the younger generation would develop a love of traditional dress.