Lace is made using bobbin lace with the use of cloth stitch in the repeat motif and plaited joining bars.

This collar is made using bobbin lace and the net is machine made.The bobbin lace process is best described as a form of weaving, in which the warp and weft threads are constantly changing places. There are only two basic movements, the cross and the twist, which always involve two pairs of threads. Bobbin lace is worked over a card pattern that is fastened to a pillow stuffed hard with material such as straw, sawdust, or horsehair. As each stitch, or row of stitches, is formed it is held in place with a pin pushed through the appropriate point on the pattern and into the pillow. The shape and size of both bobbins and pillows varies considerably from region to region.

Rosemary Shepherd, 'Glossary of general lace and lace making terms', Powerhouse Museum, 2003

Bertha collar, Brussels rose-point, bobbin lace techniques, cotton, made in Bruges, Belgium, 19th Century

A bertha collar, Brussels rose-point, bobbin lace techniques, made of cotton. Circular in shape with an open centre, collar is designed to fit a crossover dress. Collar features a floral headside border edge with a repeat design of alternating large and small open flowers and shamrock leaves. Foliate spray with curling tendrils alternating with an open flower fills the body of the lace up to the gently scalloped footside engrelure which is made to hold a threading lace. Fine picoted brides link the design elements. This repeat design is approximately 137mm in width and is repeated 12 times around the collar. Lace is made using bobbin lace with the use of cloth stitch in the repeat motif and plaited joining bars. Lace is made of cotton.

Made: 1801 - 1900

No marks

H6462

1801 - 1900

145 mm

890 mm