Short course Lace through the ages: a fascinating journey - Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

This course looks at the fascinating history of lace making through the ages from the mid-sixteenth century through to the modern day. This afternoon session is in connection with RAMM's ‘By Royal Appointment’ exhibition. It will also include a look at the many varieties of local lace, including; Honiton, Devon Trolly, Branscombe Point, Colyton Chromatic, Kerswell and Woodbury Greek. Many of the lace-makers and manufacturers featured in the exhibition 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 started lace making in 1985 and has exhibited her work internationally. She was Chair of Devon Lace Teachers for 10 years, and between 2004-2010 she represented the UK in OIDFA (The International Bobbin and Needle Lace Organisation) being a Council member, Secretary of the Executive Committee and finally President for 4 years ending her term of office in Japan in 2010. In this capacity Carol has travelled the world, teaching in the USA and the Netherlands. Carol is also an avid historical researcher of Devon lace and has written three books and numerous articles in lace magazines. She has also given many talks and lectures on the subject of lace both nationally and internationally. Carol has been volunteering at RAMM for 17 years in the lace department, and with the Fashion and Costume Museum in Bath and was recently a judge for the UK Lace Guild's triennial contest.

Elizabeth started lace making in 1978, becoming a member of the Devon Lace Teachers in 1985. She has worked as an adult education tutor for Devon County Council for twenty years and for the WEA for seven years. Elizabeth has taught lace courses both nationally and internationally and is chairman of the Devon Lace Teachers. Since 2002 she has been a volunteer at RAMM working on the extensive lace collection and more recently has undertaken similar work with Sidmouth Museum and the Fashion and Costume Museum in Bath. Elizabeth also runs a Saturday club for both primary school and older children to learn the techniques of bobbin lace.