Kent State University Museum Features Lace:
The Art of Needle and Bobbin

What: The exhibition—Lace: The Art of Needle and Bobbin - is open at the Kent State Museum.

When: Now through Jan. 6, 2008

Where: Higbee Gallery in Rockwell Hall on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln streets on the Kent Campus.

Background: Lace, the romantic fabric, has a history of prestige and beauty. The styles and qualities are so diverse; one piece of lace can actually mark a specific time and place in history.

The Kent State museum has an extraordinarily rich collection of laces from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Pieces highlighted in the exhibition are needle, bobbin and machine lace. Specifically, an 18th century lace flounce, an 18th century blonde lace shawl and a 19th century large triangular Chantilly shawl will be showcased.

Lace making revolves around two specific techniques: needle and bobbin. Needle lace, which uses a needle and thread, was the first technique developed. It originated from embroidery around 1400.

Early embroiders started adding interest to their craft by cutting out areas of background fabric and edging with stitch cutwork. The technique started to evolve and more and more of the background fabric was replaced with stitching. Eventually, all the fabric was eliminated, and needle lace was born. The new and unusual technique was called "punto in aria" or "point in air."

Bobbin lace was created shortly after. This technique requires thread to be wrapped around a bobbin or spindle, which is similar to weaving. Threads are twisted and interwoven to form delicate patterns and intricate designs. Unlike needle lace, bobbin lace was practiced by both men and women. Apparently, in the off-season, fishermen would produce bobbin lace right along side their wives.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, both techniques started to grow and develop together. Lace became the fundamental symbol of royalty and high class. But like many other things, it became a product of industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Machines were used to quickly produce both needle and bobbin laces. During this time, some lace makers continued to produce "real lace" as a hobby or for their customers; however, most laces were industrially produced at a cheap price.

The Kent State University Museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4:45 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

The museum is located in Rockwell Hall on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln streets on the Kent Campus. Special guided tours are available for groups by reservation. Free on-site motor coach parking is available.

For additional information about the Kent State University Museum, go to http://www.kent.edu/muusem/, or call (330) 672-3450.

LINK TO LACE WEBSITE

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