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Irish lace has always been an important part of the Irish needlework tradition. Both needlepoint and bobbin-laces were made in Ireland before the middle of the eighteenth century, but never, apparently, on a commercial scale. It was promoted by Irish aristocrats such as Lady Arabella Denny, the famous philanthropist, who used social and political connections to support the new industry and promote the sale of Irish lace abroad. Lady Denny, working in connection with the Dublin Society, introduced lace-making into the Dublin workhouses, especially among the children there. It is thought that it was an early form of Crochet, imitating the appearance of Venetian Gros Point, Point de Venise

The skill soon spread beyond Dublin to the poorest parts of the country, and proved a popular means for young women to help support their families. Lace-making required little equipment beyond bobbins and fine cotton or linen thread, and a great deal of patience, so was suitable for remote parts of the country that had little industry and few employment options.

The most beautiful of materials, lace worn by the wealthiest women across Europe, were produced by some of the poorest women in Ireland. Lace was a luxury commodity, used to decorate elaborate wedding dresses, christening robes, and church vestments, but it also played a vital part in saving many families from starvation and destitution. Irish lace reflects the social and political changes that took place between 1700 and the present.

Several lace-making schools were established throughout Ireland, with some regions acquiring reputations for high-quality products. Different parts of the country produced distinctive types of lace, and discerning customers would soon learn to ask for Carrickmacross lace (County Monaghan) or Kenmare lace (County Kerry),Youghal lace (County Cork)among others, depending upon their favoured style.Limerick lace (also known as tambour lace, because of its manner of manufacture) became well known from the 1830s onwards, following the establishment of a lace-making factory in the city by an English businessman, Charles Walker, a native of Oxfordshire, In 1829, he brought over 24 girls to teach lacemaking in Limerick, drawn to the area by the availability of cheap, skilled female labour, and his business thrived: within a few short years his lace factories employed almost 2,000 women and girls.

Places to See Irish Lace

 * Decorative Arts and History Museum, Dublin http://www.museum.ie/Decorative-Arts-History
 * Sheelin Lace Museum, Co. Fermanagh http://www.irishlacemuseum.com
 * Mountmellick Museum, in Co Laois http://www.mountmellick development.co
 * Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, in Co Monaghan http://www.carrickmacross lace.ie
 * Kenmare Lace Museum, Co. Kerry http://www.kenmarelace.ie