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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website at the address below. For information about The 98 Lace Group visit www.98lacegroup.org.uk.
Similar Stories
Life Begins at 92 - 21 May 2012
Liverpool's doors to open - 08 February 2012
Hot Artworks at cool prices at Affordable Art Fair, Battersea - 03 February 2012
No Place Like Home - Photographs by Judah Passow - 31 January 2012
Words from Quran engraved on head of a pin - 06 January 2012
Campaigns & Issues
Caring Britain: One in four take on role of carers as “Sandwich Generation” rejects care home option for elderly parents
Notions of a selfish society are cast aside today as new research reveals that the 45-60 age group is shouldering the responsibility of looking after elderly parents. Despite active levels of family engagement, all but a minority find it hard to have the conversation about long-term care needs, and for most, care homes are not an option.
News
Graham Norton invites the nation to Party for Parkinson’s for The Queen’s Jubilee
Popular BBC TV Presenter and arguably the nation’s favourite party host, Graham Norton, has issued a rallying cry – urging everyone to Party for Parkinson’s this summer.
Familiar with glitzy nightlife and besquinned party gear, Graham is channelling his love of social occasions into backing a new campaign aimed at helping people with Parkinson’s by sprinkling a little party magic across the UK.
Whether it’s a barbecue, street or house party, Parkinson’s UK alongside Graham, hopes to encourage people to turn their gatherings into a real cause for celebration by helping to raise funds for the charity.
Competitions & Fun
Win a pair of tickets to South Pacific
This breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Center Theatre production reinvented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical.
It swept the 2008 Tony Awards, played for two years to sold-out houses on Broadway and was televised across America.
Reader Offers
You could win one of three superb weekend breaks in Silver Travel Advisor’s “Best of British” Diamond Jubilee celebration this month
Silver Travel Advisor is a friendly website packed with advice, tips, information and honest reviews written by and for silver travellers (aged over 50).
A team of advisors are on hand to answer queries (for free), and you can share your own experiences too.
It’s time to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee this month with an amazing British prize draw:
Win a two night stay for two people at Flackley Ash Hotel , Rye, East Sussex
Health & Wellbeing
Volunteering is good for your health, but undervalued
Older people who volunteer are less depressed, have a better quality of life and are happier with their lives, according to a new study published by leading older people’s charity, WRVS.
At a time when older people’s health is at risk because of cuts to services, increasing volunteering amongst older people offers a new route to improving their wellbeing. However, despite the pressing needs of their older populations, many local authorities have failed to grasp this opportunity.
Property & Finance
Older people need specialist housing
Britain’s housing market is failing to meet the needs of the elderly, despite a rapidly-ageing population and a growing demand for retirement housing, a charity has warned. Housing charity Shelter has found that if demand remains at current levels supply would have to increase by over 70 per cent in the next 20 years in order to keep up.
The report explored the housing options available to those over 55 - a group that will make up one in three people in England by 2030.
Lifestyle
Grandparents better than nurseries
Young children looked after by their grandparents often develop better than those who are placed in nurseries, researchers have found. Spending time being cared for by family members leaves children more emotionally secure with wider vocabularies, the study said.
The research indicated that middle class families are more likely to use relatives to provide care while less affluent families often send their children to nurseries.
Travel & Leisure
Families take grandparents on holiday
Many families will be packing more than suitcases into their cars for this year's summer holidays - they will also be making room for grandma and granddad.
That's the finding of a major holiday parks group, Best of British, which reports a growing trend for couples with kids to join up with grandparents for holidays.
I’m so pleased you actually listen to our comments!