Exploring supplementary methods for the conservation of lace

Abstract

Lace has a particular beauty. It is light and delicate and, even though it is now widely available, it is still viewed more as precious rather than as an everyday item. It is, therefore, surprising that the conservation of such objects has not received more attention in the conservation world. Existing conservation methods do not always
compliment the structure of lace and can be non-sympathetic in respect of the texture and drape of the object.

This dissertation aims in some small way to address these issues. It looks at the resources available to conservators and the methods currently in use and suggests that the use of even the most rudimentary hand-skills, i.e. net-darning and bobbin lace making, would usefully supplement existing conservation methods. Furthermore, the use of a water-soluble sewing substrate is proposed as a suitable conservation method for guipure ground lace. These suggestions are supported by detailed case studies which of themselves are intended as an additional resource for lace conservators.

If this dissertation encourages some more textile conservators to learn how to make lace, in order to better equip themselves to conserve lace, it will have achieved its purpose.