Item 26-230

This is a piece of filet lace (filet brodé or lacis) worked on a square mesh ground and measures 18cm square. 

The design is created by darning or weaving thread into selected squares of the net to form geometric motifs.

The square frame suggests it may have been:

• A lace-making sample or practice piece.

• A piece mounted on a temporary frame during construction.

• A teaching example used in a lace school or embroidery class.

The materials provide clues to the age of this piece which we estimate to be late 19th century to early 20th century (c. 1880–1920)

• The net appears to be linen or cotton.

• The frame is wrapped with fabric and shows age-related deterioration.

• The thread has oxidized and darkened over time.