Brussels lace

For the geometer moth, see Cleorodes lichenaria.
Brussels lace
Duchesse, 19th, detail
TypeLace
MaterialLinen
Production methodBobbin lace
Production processCraft production
Place of originBrussels, Belgium
Introduced15th century
Point d'Angleterre, 18th
A section of Brussels bobbin lace appliqued on a hexagonal mesh

Brussels lace is a type of pillow lace that originated in and around Brussels.[1] The term "Brussels lace" has been broadly used for any lace from Brussels; however, strictly interpreted, the term refers to bobbin lace, in which the pattern is made first, and the ground, or réseau added, also using bobbin lace. Brussels lace is not to be confused with Brussels point (or Point de Gaze), which is a type of needle lace, though sometimes also called "Brussels lace".[2]

Brussels lace is well known for its delicacy[1] and beauty.[3] Originally it was only made from the finest spun linen thread, which was spun in dark damp rooms to keep the thread from becoming too brittle. Only one ray of light was allowed into the room, and it was arranged so that it fell upon the thread.[3][4] This fine thread was one reason preventing mechanization of the process of making Brussels lace, as well as the production of it in other regions, as it could not be bought anywhere else. It was also what made the lace so costly. Brussels lace cost more than Mechlin lace, and was in high demand in England and France.[4]

Brussels lace started to be produced in the 15th century,[4] and was first explicitly mentioned in England in a list of presents given to Princess Mary for New Years 1543.[5]

  1. ^ a b "Brussels." The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.
  2. ^ Powys, Marian (March 2002). Lace and Lace Making. Dover Publications. pp. 27–29. ISBN 0-486-41811-1. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
  3. ^ a b Sharp, Mary (March 2007). Point and Pillow Lace. Herron Press. pp. 127–136. ISBN 978-1-4067-4562-7. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
  4. ^ a b c Palliser, Bury (November 1984). History of Lace. Dover. pp. 102–120. ISBN 0-486-24742-2. Retrieved 2008-05-12. brussels lace.
  5. ^ Strickland, Agnes (1848). Lives of the Queens of England. p. 155. Retrieved 2008-05-12. brussels lace.