In a message dated 3/15/2008 5:26:43 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I visited the needle museum in Redditch, Worcestershire. The museum was a working needle factory until 1958. What an enlightenment. I'll never look at needles in the same way again! (Those who sharpened the needles got paid what seems a massive guinea per week (£1.05 GBP) in the 1860's, but had a life expectancy of about 30 years - they used to cough up lumps of stone dust from the grinding machine, and objected to the introduction of face masks because the improved safety might lead to a reduction in their wages.) --------------------------- Dear Lacemakers, Kept Viv's note to see what comments would ensue. A month later, I will share: There is a book which collectors of needlework tools may like to know about, covering pins, needles, thimbles, shears and scissors, findings - notions, accessories, and artifacts of textile production (spinning and weaving equipment, lace bobbins, thread winders, spools, needlework clamps, quilt stamps, stilettos, knitting accessories, and so forth). "Findings - the Material Culture of Needlework and Sewing" By Mary C. Beaudry Yale University Press (yalebooks.com) ISBN 0-300-11093-6 Hardback, 237 pages, cover price $55, 2006 The author is a professor of archaeology and anthropology at Boston University, so writes from a different perspective than books we've enjoyed from collectors (such as Nerylla Taunton, Gay Ann Rogers, and Kay Sullivan). She writes more details about the men referenced by Viv at the beginning of this message. At its peak, Redditch supplied 90 per cent of the world market for needles. Women, and children as young as 3 years old, worked on some steps of needle manufacturing. I found some interesting information in the 8 pages devoted to lace and lace tools. Here is one that is perhaps open to debate: "Contemporary commentators compared Honiton lace favorably with that produced in Antwerp and Flanders, and in the 17th century Honiton lace sold for 4 times as much as Buckinghamshire lace, so it was recognizably different from lace made in the Midlands." This book has no color illustrations, and few black and white ones. It is costly, and I recommend ordering from InterLibrary Loan if the subject is of interest to you. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolcmp00300000002850) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
