2/04 - Meet the Baas Family
2 min read

It’s time for a story.
We decided to use a creative approach to best describe how a successful medieval family would make craft a living during this times. Let us introduce The Baas Family of Flanders
“In the bustling heart of medieval Flanders, Arein Bass, a revered master of the Clothworkers' Guild, wove not just fabrics but also his family's destiny. With his three eldest sons, Joris, Matthys, and Willem, Arein embarked on a venture that would stitch their names into the rich tapestry of history.
Arein, known for his unmatched skill in weaving fine woolens, recognized the potential in the burgeoning mercantilist policies of the era. Under his guidance, his family started producing exquisite cloth that was not only sought after in local markets but also across the seas in the new colonies. He taught his sons that quality would be their greatest advocate.
Joris, the eldest, had a keen sense for trade and navigated the complex trade routes to the colonies. He established trade agreements with colonial merchants who were eager for the luxurious textiles that symbolized European sophistication. Matthys, the middle son, innovated in the dyeing process, introducing vibrant colors that stood out in the colonial markets, making their textiles uniquely desirable. The youngest, Willem, managed the operations at home, ensuring that the quality of every bolt of cloth met their father’s exacting standards.
The family's strategic use of colonial markets, backed by mercantilist policies that favored the motherland’s products, allowed them to monopolize the textile market in several colonies. As their cloths draped the figures of colonial elites, the profits returned to Flanders, enriching the Bass family.”
The Baass of Flanders depict a typical family surviving during the Mercantile and Colonial times. Their success was not just in wealth but in establishing a legacy where quality and innovation became the hallmark of the Bass name, weaving their fortunes through the looms of opportunity provided by mercantilism and colonial expansion. Through the Guilds, they became a powerful name to reckon with.
Thank you for your time ❤️