Lace-making most likely began in Italy or Belgium back in the 15th century. In its beginnings, lace-making was one of the only means of support for many women in Europe, and was taught in schools to girls as young as five years old.
There were many steps to making the lace and only the most skilled craftswomen were allowed to work on the intricate patterns, which ironically, only men were allowed to design. It was not uncommon for many ladies to work on a single large piece, which could take over a year to finish.
It is no surprise then, that lace was quite expensive and treasured as a valued possession. By the 17th and 18th centuries, lace became a symbol of prestige and wealth.
By the 19th century, however, lace was made affordable for nearly everyone with the advent of the lace machine. As the uniqueness of lace declined, so did its status.
Thankfully, schools in Italy and Belgium kept records of their work, thereby preserving knowledge of this long-ago skill so that “real lace” can still be made today.
Perhaps the making of lace is not a forgotten art after all.
5 comments:
lovely , lovely , lovely!
i love white on white shots and this is a beauty!
You've inspired me to want to visit Burano, a small island near Venice, Italy, that is known for it's lace-making!
Nice photo and terrific history lesson. I learn so much from reading your blog and I think you would make a great columnist! seriously!
I love the image--white on white, and of course the history lesson that accompanies it. Nice concept.
for a block head how is lace made?
on a loom?
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