Elisabeth de Saedeleer

Elisabeth de Saedeleer (17 August 1902 – 27 June 1972) was a Belgian textile artist. She learned traditional weaving techniques in Wales, where she was a refugee during World War I, and founded a weaving workshop after returning to Belgium. Her workshop was known for producing handwoven carpets and the fabric for scarves and tablecloths in art deco styles.

Family Elisabeth de Saedeleer was born in the Dutch-speaking Belgian village of Sint-Martens-Latem, near Ghent, on 17 August 1902. Her father was the expressionist painter Valerius de Saedeleer (1867–1941) and her mother was Clementina de Saedeleer (, 1867–1930). She was the second eldest of their five daughters. Her godfather was the painter Gustave van de Woestijne. These Belgian artists and their families were then invited to move to Rhydyfelin near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, by David Davies, 1st Baron Davies, Gwendoline Davies and Margaret Davies.

While living at Tynlon House in Wales, de Saedeleer and her sister Marie learned traditional weaving techniques ) in Etikhove, with her father and sisters. De Saedeleer aimed to "contribute to the revival of a cottage industry that she considered very suitable for women" through the workshop, and a party was held in the village square in 1927 to celebrate the opening of the studio. Her workshop was known for producing handwoven carpets and the fabric for scarves and tablecloths, She was asked to weave tapestries to show at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, also in Paris.

In 1927, de Saedeleer was approached to teach at La Cambre, the newly founded design school in Brussels, by the founding director Henry van de Velde. She continued to teach weaving techniques in Belgium until her death.

Death Elisabeth de Saedeleer died in Etikhove on 27 June 1972.