The second ‘Spaces Make Lace’ event will be held in Uralla this weekend, commencing on Friday night with a fashion parade, then continuing across the weekend with a series of workshops and lectures highlighting the history and importance of this enduring art-form.
Lacemaking dates back to the 1500’s, and developed with technical variations across European regions giving distinctive regional styles. Despite its differences, the ornate and delicate fabric became popular embellishments for clothing and furniture, and a symbol of wealth and social status until the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1800’s mechanised the process, making lacework more readily available and cheaper.
Fine handmade lace is an art which has not died out, with enthusiasts including Vicki Taylor of the New England Lace Group celebrating its history and importance in improving women’s economic independence and recognition as artists in their own right. Uralla’s New England Lace Group has been meeting for over 20 years, with Ms Taylor teaching other enthusiasts the fine art of bobbin lacemaking.
The inaugural event was held in 2022, in conjunction with the opening of the ‘Spaces make Lace’ exhibit of historic lacework collected by Janice Jones, a collection containing over 400 pieces, some dating back to the 16th century. This exhibition, in Uralla’s McCrossin’s Mill Museum, won the Museums & Galleries of NSW iMAGine award Museum Projects and Exhibitions in 2022.
This year, the focus will be on the adaptability of lace in fashion, with a fashion parade to be held on Friday night, 3rd November. This will feature ‘all things lace’, including historical lace fashion, up-cycled designs, local retailers’ garments and other local designs, and including designs by local school students.
A series of study sessions, discussions about the history of lace, exhibitions and displays (including the items of the Janice Jones collection which are not on regular display) will be held across Saturday and Sunday. There is even a chance to show your creative side with a milk jug cover competition. The local shops in the main street of Uralla will also be involved, being draped with lacework stencils in support for this event.
‘Spaces make Lace’ has attracted a lot of interest across Australia, with enthusiasts travelling from every corner of the country to participate in this event.
For further information about Spaces make Lace II, please see the Larrikin Lace Facebook page or website.
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