Suffolk Lacemakers - display and demonstration of bobbin lacemaking
Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2BE
Members of Suffolk Lacemakers will be showing visitors to Christchurch Mansion how bobbin lace is made and giving people the opportunity to try out this ancient craft at a 'Have a Go' lace pillow. Bobbin lacemaking began to be made in the 16C and up until about 1800 all lace was made entirely by hand as a huge cottage industry. The industrial revolution resulted in the development of machines producing machine made lace thus effectively killing the handmade industry by the eary 20C. Fortunately the craft was revived mainly as a leisure activity in the second half of the 20C.
There will be a display of Suffolk Lacemakers' work showing how lace has evolved from traditional 'white' handmade lace to modern and often more colourful lace that is made by today's lacemakers.
Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2BE