Bobbin lace makers in Headford, Ireland, often sat outside in the daytime to do their work. This 1783 print shows a British woman making similar bobbin lace outside. The outdoor light helped lace makers see better and the fresh air protected the delicate, white lace from fireplace soot that dirtied the interior of their dwellings.

The Lace Wearer, rewarding the Lace Maker
Published by Carrington Bowles
1783
Mezzotint
© The Trustees of the British Museum

In 2016, a group of women in Headford, Ireland, founded the Headford Lace Project to revive their town’s tradition of lace making and to call attention to local history. This piece of reproduction bobbin lace was made by Norma Owens and Jackie Magnin of the Headford Lace Project in 2019. It is based on a historic piece of bobbin lace from the St. George family home, Headford Castle. Bobbin lace is made by twisting and braiding threads that are wound on wooden or bone spools called “bobbins.” Lace makers use a pillow as a stage for their work and pins to form their designs. To learn more, visit headfordlaceproject.ie. 

Bobbin Lace
Made by Norma Owens and Jackie Magnin of the Headford Lace Project
2019
Linen
Courtesy of Norma Owens