Matthijs Rikken

A special spin-off

Department: Man and Leisure
Website: www.matthijsrikken.nl

Black Sheep Prison Project

The Northern Dutch village Veenhuizen was set up as a self-sufficient settlement for the poor and homeless, but became a penal colony in the 19th century. Today it still has three prison locations. Matthijs Rikken’s Black Sheep Prison project brings the historic handicraft of spinning and weaving back to the village to help its inmates reintegrate into society. By designing new industrial-looking tools from the used machinery and materials in the prison workshop, he transforms the stale image of spinning into a cool craft. The wool comes from the sheep in the region, the soft blankets are unique, hand-made pieces, restoring the prisoners’ pride.