Flounce thumbnail 1
Flounce thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Flounce

ca. 1740 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The distinctive design of this flounce is typical of the eighteenth-century style called rococo. Rococo takes its name from the French word rocaille, which means the rock or shell motifs that often formed part of the designs. Curved forms are common in rococo, resembling the letters S and C, together with motifs suggesting water or waves, and the design is often not symmetrical. All of these characteristics can be seen in this piece.

The flounce was made in Brussels. The technique used there for making bobbin lace allows different pieces of the pattern to be worked separately, and joined afterwards. This enabled several lace makers to work on one piece, and was essential for creating such a large flounce as this. It was crucial for the success of the finished lace for all of the lace makers to work their sections to the same tension and fineness, and the task of joining the pieces together was a particularly skilled one.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Bobbin lace worked in linen thread
Brief description
Deep flounce of Brussels bobbin lace worked in linen thread, Brussels, ca. 1740
Physical description
Deep flounce of bobbin lace worked in linen thread. Straight upper edge with a narrow footing and a gently scalloped lower edge. Unfinished ends. Bold pattern with two alternating motifs, one is a sort of elaborate vase with non-naturalistic flowers, and the other is an amorphous shape with seaweed-like forms. Rococo design. Open mesh ground of brides picotées.

The flounce could have been used for dress or for furnishing.
Dimensions
  • Height: 64cm
  • Top edge length: 325cm (approx.)
  • Pattern repeat length: 84cm
  • Length: 129in
  • Width: 25.75in
  • Length: 3250mm
  • Width: 640mm
Credit line
Given from the collection of Mary, Viscountess Harcourt GBE
Subjects depicted
Summary
The distinctive design of this flounce is typical of the eighteenth-century style called rococo. Rococo takes its name from the French word rocaille, which means the rock or shell motifs that often formed part of the designs. Curved forms are common in rococo, resembling the letters S and C, together with motifs suggesting water or waves, and the design is often not symmetrical. All of these characteristics can be seen in this piece.

The flounce was made in Brussels. The technique used there for making bobbin lace allows different pieces of the pattern to be worked separately, and joined afterwards. This enabled several lace makers to work on one piece, and was essential for creating such a large flounce as this. It was crucial for the success of the finished lace for all of the lace makers to work their sections to the same tension and fineness, and the task of joining the pieces together was a particularly skilled one.
Collection
Accession number
T.21-1965

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Record createdFebruary 23, 2007
Record URL
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