Continuous deep flounce of Honiton bobbin lace worked in cotton thread, designed by Mary Tucker, made by John Tucker, Branscombe, 1862

Flounce of bobbin lace. Deep flounce of Honiton guipure bobbin lace finely worked with cotton thread in cloth stitch and a little half stitch work, and with raised outlines and a variety of fine fillings composed of tallies brides picotées, cloth-work spots, etc. The pattern pieces are linked by brides picotées worked in continuous lengths.

Complex floral design of massed clusters of roses, tulips, escallonia, etc. tied with ribbons or controlled by elongated feathery leaves. Vertically arranged heart or bulb-shaped motifs near the top of the flounce alternate with roundels placed in the lower half. The roundels, which contain bouquets of rose, shamrock and thistle, are linked by swags of feathery leaves which form an upper line echoing the lower scalloped edge.

A member of the British Royal Family bought this piece from an exhibition in London. Messrs Howell & James showed the deep lace flounce at the International Exhibition of 1862. Its superb quality was apparent at the time. The Art- Journal, a contemporary periodical, wrote, 'Perhaps no British production has ever surpassed this work'. Mary Tucker designed it. Her father John Tucker manufactured it. He was probably the leading manufacturer of Honiton lace in the 19th century.

T.274-1982