Sidmouth's Lace - Carol McFadzean

Publisher  : Sid Vale Association
ISBN  : 9780993481413

Sidmouth's Lace by Carol McFadzean
the luxury fabric that hides a world of poverty, distress and power

It's easy to think of Honiton as being the only place that lace was made in Devon.  The town that gave it's name to fine lace motifs was not the only producer of this type of lace and in fact, both bobbin and needle laces were made throughout the East Devon area. 

Carol takes the reader through the history of Devon lace, including the 'Seven Laces of Devon'; Honiton, Devon Trolly lace, Woodbury Greek lace, Colyton Chromatic lace, Kerswell lace, Branscomb Point and Honiton Point. 

Building on this, she explores lacemaking in the area, how it was taught and the equipment use.

However, the lacemakers who were producing lace needed a way sell their lace and Carol explores the Sidmouth Lace Dealers & Manufacturers who retailed lace and provided a market for the makers to reach their buyers.

Devon lace has, for a long time been connected with Royal gifts and there is listing of notable lace that was gifted.

​All in all, this is one of those books you will devour in one go and then put on your bedside table so you can dip in and longinly look at the photos and re-read chapters.

What works well?

• This book is sumptuously illustrated throughout with black & white and colour photos of lace and artefacts. 

Anything that we need to take into consideration?

• This book is in print and available from the Sidmouth Museum.