Friday Lacemaking at Fairlynch





Did you like the photo at http://www.devonmuseums.net/Labours-laced-with-laughter/Latest-News/1/ of our two lace enthusiasts Sue Morgan and Margaret Williams? If so pop along to the Museum on a Friday afternoon.



This is traditionally the time when lacemaker Margaret Leese, from Exmouth, pictured above, is at Fairlynch together with Pat Lorton, from Budleigh.

 




















Demonstrating the centuries-old skill which has made East Devon famous, the pair can be seen at work on intricate pieces of delicate work which never fail to impress visitors.  Above is a copy of the Fairlynch door knocker in Honiton lace by Margaret Leese.

This year the Lace Guild is holding its Annual Convention at Exeter Racecourse from 13 to 15 April. Its members will be most welcome if they feel like making a short hop to Budleigh to admire Fairlynch's lace collection.

Margaret Williams gives a preview:

"As you enter the Lace Room the first case on the upper left has a selection of black  lace, Honiton, Tape, embroidered net and sprigs of Honiton lace made by a family of sisters in Otterton in the 1850s. Below the upper case are examples made by Fairlynch volunteers."

 


















Above: A pair of lappets in Point de Gaze lace

"The next two cases show Buckingham lace, often used for babies' wear and underwear. The embroidery is 18th century and shows a  bonnet back and other embroidery to go on a baby's gown. On one of the bonnets is Hollie Point - embroidery frequently worked by nuns in the 17th and 18th centuries."

The pillow under the window has Buckingham lace, a continuously worked lace which is wound onto a roller as it is made.

Following round the room the upper and lower cases have examples of Continental laces, Brussels - mixed bobbin and needle - also Point de Gaze which is a needle lace. The Flounce in the bottom case is seven yards long and would be gathered around the bottom of a wide skirt."

The special items in the two cases next to the door in the Lace Room consist of machine lace donated by the family of William Arthur Stevenson (1892-1990) who worked as a machine lace designer before he retired to Budleigh.





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