Short Course: An Introduction to Devon Lace - Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Bobbin and needlelace has been made in Devon since, at least, the early 17th century. It started as a cottage industry involving the wives, daughters and other females related to the local farm labourers and fishermen as a way of supplementing the family income.

This course aims to give an overview of the many varieties of Devon lace to include; Honiton, Devon Trolly, Branscombe Point, Colyton Chromatic, Kerswell and Woodbury Greek.

This workshop is in connection with ‘By Royal Appointment’ an exhibition that will focus on the people who made lace from the 18th to 20th centuries. Many of these lace-makers and manufacturers contributed to the Royal wardrobe, in particular wedding lace. The exhibition will showcase RAMM’s own lace collection by well-known East Devon manufacturers including Exeter based Charlotte Treadwin, Esther Clarke and the Wards of Honiton and John Tucker of Branscombe, all of whom were commissioned by the Royal Family.

Course Tutors: Carol McFadzean and Elizabeth Trebble

Carol McFadzean - Carol started lacemaking in 1985 and has exhibited her work internationally. She was Chair of Devon Lace Teachers for 10 years, and represented the UK in OIDFA (The International Bobbin and Needle Lace Organisation). Practitioner, researcher, author and lecturer of international standing, Carol was recently a judge for the UK Lace Guild's triennial contest.

Elizabeth Trebble - With 40years experience, Elizabeth is an outstanding lace teacher of international status. She has researched and catalogued lace collections at RAMM, Sidmouth Museum and the Fashion and Costume Museum in Bath. Chair of Devon Lace teachers, she is and is committed to passing her knowledge and skills to new generations.

Tickets are available online or from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum reception in person or by phone using a credit or debit card on 01392 265858 during opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.