Lace

Originating in Renaissance-era Europe, down the centuries lace has been one of the most costly and refined accessories for clothing and for domestic and ecclesiastical decoration. The Textile Collections’ extensive lacework collection consists of a vast catalogue of this kind of artefact, the exclusive domain of female workers. The early production period is evident in the exquisite Genoese bobbin lace rosettes, and in the Venetian needle lace with its famous punto in aria stitch, while the subsequent popularity of lace in the Baroque and Rococo eras is evident in the edging, in flat or relief punto venezia and in Milan and Flanders bobbin lace, and the wide range of 18th-century French and Flemish lace (Alençon, Valenciennes, Malines). Nineteenth century artefacts are also well represented, with examples of exceptional quality lace from Brussels and Liguria, where from the 19th century production concentrated mainly around the Levante Riviera (Rapallo, Santa Margherita) and which included, besides bobbin lace, the celebrated macramè knotwork.

Washcloth

Washcloth

Washcloth

Washcloth

Shawl

Shawl

Shawl

Shawl

Shawl collar

Shawl collar

Shawl collar

Shawl collar

Headphone beards

Headphone beards

Headphone beards

Headphone beards

Flounce

Flounce

Flounce

Flounce

Tablecloth

Tablecloth

Tablecloth

Tablecloth