Item 26-267

This antique collar is made from a combination of:

• Fine cotton machine-made net (tulle) as the foundation.

• Tambour (Luneville) embroidery, worked directly onto the net to create the delicate flowers and scrolling stems. This technique uses a tiny hook rather than a needle and was widely practised in northern France.

• A central band of machine-made Valenciennes-style insertion lace, featuring repeating floral motifs.

• A tiny picot edging that gives the collar a soft, feminine finish.

The softly rounded shape is typical of collars fashionable from the late Victorian into the Edwardian period. Rather than standing upright, it would have lain gently over the shoulders, framing a high-necked blouse or dress.

The embroidered flowers are deliberately light and airy, reflecting the romantic floral styles of the Belle Époque. The narrow insertion lace around the neckline adds refinement without overwhelming the delicate net.

It measures 65 x 11cm.