For centuries linen has been treated in various ways to alter its appearance and physical properties. 'Beetling' in particular comes to mind, where the surface was pounded to produce a hard flat face with an increased luster. Wax was also applied to linen to create a shiny, more waterproof surface.

In the last few years linen with a 'polished' finish has been a sort-after look and we have several designs which use more modern methods to provide varying degrees of sheen. Three of these designs are included in the new Linen Archives collection: Waxed Linen has the highest shine and, like Lacquer (also in the Archives collection) and Gloss, has a polyurethane coating.

We have a new design called Blake which also has a subtle lustre but is created by a technique called 'schreinering'; essentially a type of calendering process. Blake is available in 10 gorgeous colourways, has a beautiful soft handle for drapery and is an excellent weight for upholstery use. I hope you like it.

So why polish linens? To my mind it imparts linen with a crisp, sophisticated edge, rather than the more home-spun look of an untreated linen. That's why it's a firm favourite in many urban interior schemes designed by our clients.

Have a great Easter.