This Paisley Pear is an exceptional piece of Bucking Point Bobbin lace. Lacemaking was a prominent Northamptonshire industry from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Lace makers Ann Atkins and Betsey Gibbons (right) at work in Paulerspury
The Paisley Pear, as it is known to Northamptonshire lace makers, is a truly exceptional piece of Buckinghamshire Point bobbin lace, which is a delicate lace with naturalistic floral motifs outlined in a thicker ’gimp’ thread for greater definition against the net background. It is remarkable for its size, at over 25 cm wide and 2m 70cm in length, but also for its design and quality and consistency of working.
Lace making was prominent industry in the county having been introduced by Flemish immigrants in the 1560s. By early 1800s between 9,000 and 10,000 women and young people were employed in the industry.
We know that the Paisley Pear was worked by Mrs Betsey Gibbings, also spelt Gibbons, in the village of Paulerspury around 1901, when she would have been 65 years old. To corroborate this, the Museum are lucky enough to have a photograph of Mrs. Gibbings working the length of lace at her pillow in a cottage doorway. Mrs Ella Harrison, wife of the rector of Paulerspury, had made it her business to try and revive the dying handmade lace industry in the area and she regarded Betsy Gibbings as the best Point Ground worker at the time.
Number 73 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.
Made by members of the Weston Favell branch of the Women's Institute to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, this tablecloth is still in weekly use.
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Victoria and Albert Museum