Lace Study Centre

For bookings and enquiries
Phone: (02) 9217 0222
Fax: (02) 9217 0622
Email: edserv@phm.gov.au

Hedebo lace tablecloth made by Roma Field in Australia, about 1925.

'Judith puts Holofernes' head in a sack', detail from a biblical tale in needle lace, England, mid 1600s

'Two fishes', bobbin lace by Ludmilla Kaprasova, Czechoslovakia, 1987

a flounce of Venetian gros point needle and bobbin lace, 1650-1675

Visit the Lace Study Centre to view different styles of lace from all over the world, independently research pieces in the Powerhouse Museum’s collection and find out more from the volunteer lace enthusiasts who staff the centre. Everyone with a passion for these intricate and extraordinary textiles, including lacemakers, embroiderers, students and designers, is invited to use this unique resource.

The Lace Study Centre provides access to about 300 of the most significant examples of handmade lace in the Powerhouse Museum’s collection.

The Powerhouse has been collecting lace for more than a century and has one of the best collections in Australia, ranging from fine handmade lace from the late 1500s to more recent machine-made pieces.

Open: 10.30 am -1.30 pm weekdays and Saturdays


Online resources

pdf icon The Powerhouse Museum 2nd International Lace for Fashion Award 2001 online catalogue
PDF document (1,373K)

pdf icon Lace Classification System
PDF document (1,218k)

pdf icon Glossary of general lace and lacemaking terms
PDF document (253k)

pdf icon A Lace Holiday by Christine Johnson

Education Sheets