Though I lurk for 99% of the time, I would like to put on record my grateful thanks for the support I get when I do burst in upon the Arachne scene.
It would be hard for me to mention all the people who have given me access and photographs of their antique bobbin collections and have also allowed me to use their pictures as might be required. The only thing I can say is that I have never commercially used their collections and it is entirely selfish of me to be a contributor to your âhobbyâ (?) by my researches and writing; I enjoy it. However, a big thank you to all of you. You will all know I have a âsleeping partnerâ, ( She will not like that phrase at all!!!! and her husband even less!!) who contributes enormously to my studies and to whom I owe my very special thanks. May Arachne go from strength to strength. You are lovely people. Thanks. On a more sober note, age is catching up with me and though I enjoy good health, (no pills!!) that does not guarantee my longevity. I am now 77, and though I am sure many of you are older than me, I am well aware of the length of life I may, or may not have, in this world. I have a huge annotated photographic collection, which I have collected from you good folks and other sources. Pretty well all of my written articles are on âArizonaâ. Of all the museums I have dealt with the Ilford museum (UK) has been most supportive and I am considering sending my collection/library to them upon my demise (or leaving suitable instructions.) I just want future researchers and interested persons to have access to these resources. Some of my research documentation I gave to the PowerHouse Museum (Sydney) and perhaps it was selfish of me to expect something of a thank you, but it never came. They did clearly say that if they accepted it they would do what they wanted with the material.... and I accepted that proviso as Rosemary left an excellent lace oriented department. I do suspect that I might be unduly possessive of the work I have done and its importance; all I can say is that a lot of work went into it and I do not want it to be lost. It might well be useful to a future ânutâ who gets caught up in Antique Lace Bobbins. If any of you would be interested in suggesting a better repository than the Ilford museum I would be happy to consider it. Typical of the melancholy which this topic raises, is that I have one regret and apology, I always said I would turn my attention to âContinental Lace Bobbinsâ. I still âmightâ! But to those who have been generous in a similar manner to the above, but regarding Continental Bobbins, I apologize for not using the resources you have sent me. Brian. - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
