Lace

From the 1500s to the 1800s lacemaking became a widespread cottage industry in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, after being introduced by European migrants fleeing persecution who settled in the region. Our lace collection derives from the three counties, revealing the different types of lace and how it was made. It includes Buckingham point lace and the Paisley Pear, Bedfordshire lace and lace making equipment
such as bobbins, pins, patterns, prickings, pillows and stands used and made within Northampton and the surrounding villages. The collection is open to donations and is governed by a policy, which helps to ensure that the collection is relevant to visitors.

Where to view the lace collection
There is a small display of lace and lacemaking in the History of Northampton Gallery 2.