Stunning works of art by some of the UK’s greatest makers of contemporary lace are to go on display at The Bowes Museum.

The Study, Design and Create exhibition has been inspired by the museum’s historically significant Blackborne Lace Collection, one of the finest collections of antique lace anywhere in the world.

The contemporary lace makers – called The 98 Lace Group – will also hold a number of workshops where they will teach the mysterious arts of making lace to those interested in learning more about the intricate skills behind this most mysterious of fabrics.

The exhibition has been organised in response to a surge in interest in lace, with recent collections by designers like McQueen, Dior and Valentino as well as the Sarah Burton dress worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William earlier this year.

The Blackborne Lace Collection is being catalogued and stored in the Fashion & Textile Gallery’s innovative Glass Cube research and study area, making it the place to go for young designers and enthusiasts who want to learn more about the extraordinary evolution of lace.

Annabel Talbot, Assistant Textiles Curator, said: “We’re so excited about the new possibilities opened up by the Glass Study Cube. This exhibition highlights the changing role of museums in a modern world, and the importance of access to the collections.”

The Blackborne Lace Collection is part of the new Fashion and Textile Gallery at The Bowes Museum.

The programme of craft workshops and a weekly lace group aims to encourage visitors to get involved and ‘have a go’.

There are all kinds of ways to become involved:
• Be inspired by the historic Blackborne Lace Collection and contemporary works on display
• Join a free weekly lace group in the Museum’s Café Bowes to share ideas and connect with like minded enthusiasts, every Wednesday 2.00-4.00
• Learn the basics of contemporary lace-making by coming to friendly and fun workshops
• Challenge your lace-making skills by taking part in advanced workshops on the designing and making of contemporary lace
• Make an appointment to be one of the first visitors to see The Blackborne Study collection in the Glass Cube

Study, Design & Create opens on Saturday 28th January, running until Sunday 15th April 2012.

For further details of the bookable events surrounding the exhibition call 01833 690606, email info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk or visit the website at the address below. For information about The 98 Lace Group visit www.98lacegroup.org.uk.

Annabel’s post is funded by Esmee Fairbairn which has enabled this fantastic project to provide study facilities and access to an extremely important collection.
 

Back to category list