Two crochet lace collars
Name/Title
Two crochet lace collarsEntry/Object ID
2025.1.626Description
Two collars made by crocheting fine cotton. Each collar is made of two pieces sewn together.Context
Crochet lace is strongly associated with Ireland and was at its' height of popularity in the 1900s. Characterised by motifs (flowers, leaves, shapes) on a background of grids or bars, with scalloped edges, it was made with fine white cotton thread. Originally crocheted lace was not regarded as true lace. Crocheting was considered an easy, and less time-consuming, but otherwise clearly inferior surrogate for "true" lace such as bobbin lace, needle lace or netting. However the finished work was marketed across the world. One of the best known outlets was Robinson and Cleaver, a Belfast department store that gained a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria for its Irish linens and laces, which she had endorsed at a London show.Category
Clothing