Turned wood lace bobbin, Downton, Wiltshire type, 19th century

Turned wood lace bobbin of the Downton type with a single long neck and a shank with a pointed end. Decorated with a spiral and incised with the inscription filled with red and black 'AC LOVE YOUR LEANING'. The bobbin is wound with fine cotton thread.

Given by Mrs Gwendolen Lethbridge

Registered File number 1987/1219.

The bobbin was given to the donor by Mrs Kate Martin of Redlynch in 1905 who, with Mrs Clarke and Mrs Read, revived the craft of lace-making at Redlynch and Downton.

Lace making was an old craft in Downton and Redlynch, probably from Tudor times. There is a background stitch called 'cat's stitch', with the legend that it was called after Queen Catherine of Aragon who brought it from Spain. In early 20th century, three ladies, Mrs Martin, Mrs Clarke and Mrs Read, worked in Downton. In about 1905, as a child, the donor was taught to make lace by Mrs Martin. The donor was given, by Mrs Martin, the old prickings of Downton lace, which were mostly on old pieces of parchment. From these early beginnings, the industry began to be formed in ca. 1907. A class was held on Saturday mornings at Redlynch House. Orders were received. The work was paid for by Mrs Robinson, the donor's mother. Torchon was also made and types of lace were made for Mrs Newall's industry at Mere.

The lace makers met in each other's houses and sat around a small table with a candle in the centre and a flask of water.

We are grateful to Carol MacFadzean for her help with identifying these lace bobbins.

T.125-1987