Zwalmmolen visit leads to unexpected heritage discovery

During a study trip through Flanders, Hainaut, and northern France, a delegation of approximately 40 international mill experts made a significant heritage discovery at the Zwalm mill in Belgium.

Gábor Dániel Ozsváth, a Hungarian ethnographer, identified a mechanism in a historical fulling mill model that bears a striking resemblance to a vanished fulling mill from Transylvania. The study tour, held from September 6 to 12, was organized by The International Molinological Society (TIMS) in collaboration with Flanders Mills vzw.

TIMS, which has approximately 400 members from over 35 countries, focuses on the study and preservation of historical wind, water, and muscle-powered mills. The visit also highlighted the work of the Mola Molencentrum, an organization dedicated to preserving and managing mill heritage in East Flanders. David Coppens, the provincial deputy for heritage, noted that the visit provided an opportunity to showcase the regional model of expertise and support to an international audience.