Lace-Making in the Midlands: Past and Present (Classic Reprint)

C. C. Channer, M. E. Roberts

ISBN 10: 1440055998 / ISBN 13: 9781440055997

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book explores the history of lacemaking, a captivating art form characterized by intricate threadwork. The author traces the evolution of lace from its origins in drawn-thread and braid ornamentation to the development of pillow lace and the introduction of net grounds. The book highlights the influence of cultural exchange and technological advancements on lacemaking techniques and patterns. It delves into the rise and decline of the lace industry in England, particularly in the Midlands, examining the impact of factors such as changing fashion trends, economic conditions, and mechanization. The author also discusses the efforts made to revive the industry, including the establishment of lace schools and the patronage of royal figures. This book provides a comprehensive account of lacemaking, offering insights into its historical significance, artistic value, and cultural impact, making it an invaluable resource for lace enthusiasts and historians alike. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781440055997_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lace-Making in the Midlands: Past and Present (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1440055998
• ISBN 13: 9781440055997
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art

About this title

Synopsis

From linen ornament to modern pillow lace, a detailed history of a once hidden craft.

This study traces how lace-making evolved across Europe and England, showing how pattern, ground, and technique shaped the art. Rich in period detail, it explains the move from drawn-thread and cut-work toward the bobbin and pillow methods that define lace today. The book connects design to practice, revealing how patterns, stitches, and process intertwined to create delicate, enduring works.

Beginning with early origins and the two main sources of lace—the ornamented linen and the craft of braiding threads—the volume guides readers through centuries of innovation. It outlines how pillow lace emerged with pin, pillow, and bobbins, and how designers’ ideas translated into real textile patterns. Readers will discover how edges, purls, and sewings came together to form intricate, connected motifs.

• explanations of key techniques like purling, sewings, and pattern tracing on parchment
• the evolution of pillow lace and its international connections (England, Italy, Flanders)
• comparisons between needlepoint and pillow lace, and how patterns cross over
• how late patterns introduced curves, stems, leaves, and even animal motifs

Ideal for readers of textile history, decorative arts, and craft enthusiasts seeking a clear, example-filled account of lace’s development.