Victorian Lace Bobbin

It is unsure when the art of lace making first made its appearance in Britain but it is thought that the Flemish immigrants during the 1560's may have been responsible. Another theory is that lace making originated in Italy and it was from here that lace was introduced to England. But it was known - there was an import duty on lace as early as 1562.

Children as early as six years old were taught this craft and lacemaking schools were known in the 19th century. Even young boys were taught - but, the cost of teaching them was double that of girls, the teachers finding them far too 'energetic and troublesome"
The main areas for lace making in England in the 19th century were Devon, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire

The above bobbin is made from fruitwood and shows a inlay of Pewter in the form of small 'dots' which was referred to as a "Leopard" bobbin. Constant use of the bobbin would have caused the pewter to appear 'silver' in color.
This finely executed "Midlands" bobbin shows it was made by a true craftsman, it is beautifully turned and spangled with nine glass beads, strung on brass wire which was typical of the period and measures 10.0 cm in length.

Shipping R40

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