Museum says farewell to lacemaker

 

Fairlynch is losing one of its volunteers who helped make a popular Friday afternoon attraction at the Museum with the retirement of resident lacemaker Margaret Leese.

 

Exmouth resident Margaret delighted and intrigued hundreds of visitors to the Museum with the demonstration of her intricate and beautiful work.  “Lacemaking was very much a traditional cottage industry in this part of Devon, so I am sorry not to be continuing at Fairlynch,” she said. “It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience to be part of the Museum’s lace team in such a special way.”

 

Originally from Cornwall, Margaret first started lacemaking over 25 years ago when she saw the skill being demonstrated at Ottery St Mary. “I hadn’t been in the area all that long but I thought that looks quite exciting and challenging as a hobby,” she recalled.

 

Various pieces of Margaret’s work are on show at Fairlynch, including a lace version of the Museum’s doorknocker. She reckons that it must have taken 400 hours to make.

 

Lacemaking continues to thrive as a hobby for many enthusiasts all over the world, and the Museum is keen for demonstrations to be continued.  Fairlynch volunteer Sue Morgan who took over recently the Dolls and Bears department at Fairlynch has offered to give lacemaking demonstrations at half-term and on Friday afternoons during August.