Hello, I've just returned from viewing the wonderful lace exhibit, "Fine & Fashionable. Lace from the Blackborne Collection", at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle in north England -- a fabulous collection that is displayed in a very effective manner. I've seen a few exhibits, and I honestly think that this is one of the most exciting, and definitely the best displayed. Santina Levy was Guest Curator, and it shows.
The Blackborne collection contains fabulous examples of laces from the 16th-20th century. On display as well are a few striking pieces of 20th century lace. This collection was assembled by a pair of lace dealers over a fifty year period, and is amazing in its depth and breadth. A couple of people wondered on some of the lace email lists, when this exhibit opened, whether it would be worth the time and trouble to visit. My 2 p. is definitely. Although the collection has been permanently gifted to the museum, the exhibit will be dismantled after the exhibit closes on 29 April, and the lace will probably not be exhibited again for a long time, probably years. Or so the museum people say. So if you can possibly make it to this locale, get your travel plans in order and come, don't delay! I even have a nice offer from my lace pair here in Cleveland to help facilitate a visit on the part of lacemakers who are lacking transportation (i.e., if you don't drive over here) Let me know privately if you would find this helpful, and I'll try to put you in touch with her. If you can't come, the museum has a very nice color catalog of the exhibit on sale for 16.70 GBP. The museum has a web site at _http://www.theboweshttp://www.htt_ (http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/) If you do decide to come, and if you are interested in chatting with local lacemakers, there are demonstrations by various lace guilds on the second Saturday of each month, along with displays of lace by their members. Best to you all from snowy, damp, beautiful England! Carolyn - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
