Chats on Old Lace and Needlework

The author presents a compact illustrated survey of lace and needlework, tracing their technical development, regional styles, and historic uses. Part one outlines origins and methods of lace-making and examines Italian, French, Flemish, Belgian and British varieties, with identification tips and market notes. Part two surveys English needlework from early ecclesiastical and Tudor practice through Stuart, Georgian and Victorian pictorial work, describing vestments, samplers, domestic pictures, and techniques such as black work and petit point. Practical guidance for collectors, sale-price information, and numerous illustrations support connoisseurship and appreciation of these textile arts.