In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries lace was a vital fashion accessory. Not only did it look well but it said how affluent you were; lace was expensive. Centres of lace making grew up around the country. Malmesbury was one such centre with its own individual patterns. Malmesbury lace was made in fairly narrow strips and so was particularly suited for joining other pieces of lace and for edging childrens’ clothes.
Because Malmesbury lace was so fine and intricate bobbins were developed which were plain, smooth and with flat ends. Other lace centres, where less intricate patterns were used, developed their own individual bobbins which could be much more elaborate and intricate.
Athelstan Museum has an unrivalled collection of Malmesbury lace and Malmesbury bobbins.
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