History of lacemaking is the subject of latest Teatime talk at Malmesbury’s Athelstan Museum

The history of lacemaking in Malmesbury will be the subject of the latest Teatime Talk hosted by the Athelstan Museum on Wednesday May 17.

‘Malmesbury Lace - Past Present and Future’ will feature a number of short talks from local experts Alison Lewis, Gill Bright and Janet Casseldon. 

Alison Lewis will talk about the history of Malmesbury Lace, an industry that has been present in the town for more than 300 years. She is the author of a popular booklet on the subject, The Fascination of Lace.

It was a chance discovery that piqued Alison Lewis’ interest in lacemaking: 

“I became interested after we found a Malmesbury lace bobbin in our cottage 50 years ago. Before that, I had no knowledge of the craft. I was later asked to write my book on lacemaking in Malmesbury by Roger Griffin, who was then chair of the museum.”

Gill Bright, a member of the Malmesbury Lacemaking group will talk about the group’s activities and about the lace itself, including current examples of lace made in the town. Gill and Alison have worked together for several years. 

“We have worked together to put on displays of lace in the museum,” Alison says. “And twice a year, we run lace days in the town. I have spent many hours with the lacemaking group over the years.”

Janet Casselden will also provide an overview of the Athelstan Museum’s plans to exhibit the town’s lace and provide an insight into the sessions she leads, where she teaches lacemaking to both adults and children.

There will be a demonstration of the type of work the lacemakers of today undertake both before and after the talk, giving attendees the opportunity to look closely at a display of some of the museum's lace collection and also to ‘have a go’ on the pillows that are set up for the family lace workshop sessions.

The Teamtime Talk will take place in the Rausing Building. Tea will be served from 2.30 pm with the talks due to start at 3 pm. Tickets are £6.50 (tea and cake included in the price) and are available online and in the museum shop. 

For more information and to book tickets online, visit: https://www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk/event/teatime-talk-malmesbury-lace/