In 1066 Nottingham was known as Snotingeham - little did they know then that the town would become famous for its lace manufacture. And who, at the height of its success with lace would have forseen the end of the industry? There isn't a single lace manufacturer left. For me it was a sad day in 2009 when the Lace Hall was closed after 29 years of showing and recounting the story of Nottingham's prosperity. Although small it attracted 100,000 visitors a year. The closure was rendered more sad since only 2 years before the city's Museum of Costume and Textiles in Castle Gate was closed down.
Richard Granger, chairman of the centre's board of directors, said: "There's a whole generation growing up that doesn't buy lace any more – and that's probably the most telling factor of all.... Looking back, 1980 when we opened, now seems like another planet." This little illustrated guide book is a relic of something lost forever and you can click on the flying angel below to enter in the draw to win it. I'll announce the winner next Monday 18 June. Good luck!
I had been searching for information regarding a sampler said to be held by the Museum of Costume and Textiles in Nottingham and the search led to your article on the closing of the museum. Does anyone have knowledge as to the status of the holdings of the museum? Auctioned? Still in storage? Looking for an image of an Italian sampler (1649) reproduced by the late Kay Montclare.
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