History of our Linens & Lace

A woman in a pink off-shoulder dress with puff sleeves and a matching belt, standing with a man in a black tuxedo with a pink cummerbund and bow tie. They are outdoors with greenery in the background, smiling and posing for the photo.

For hundreds of years, lace was made primarily by hand. Its creation was more than just a trade, but a skill of fine art. The beauties and distinctions of the various laces were known and understood by the great ladies and gentleman who wore them, much as a connoisseur knows a fine painting. But, lace was expensive and considered a luxury fabric that few could afford. It was natural to treat it as a collector’s item.

Today, with the advent of machines, lace is in everyone’s closet and most people’s reach. You see lace on baby’s clothes, lingerie, wedding gowns and even handkerchiefs. But, not all lace is the same… There is special lace for every purpose and knowing something of its history, tradition and classification adds to its fascinations.

The history of lace starts in Italy – before the sixteenth history. Venice taught lace-making to other sections of Italy, and from there it spread to France, Flanders, Belgium, England and Ireland. Like art, the wealthiest most distinguished families in Europe came to look upon lace as a proud possession – a mark of prosperity. The Medici and Doges families lead in its extravagance of this delicate, priceless fabric.

Where does that fit today?

Consider when Benjamin Franklin arrived in France representing the American Colonies, got aid from France to secure its independence. The influence of French dressing became apparent as the French expedition remained concentrated in Newport and Rhode Island – and so Americans adopted some of the social customs of France. So much so that the Museum of Art represents such pieces as Needlepoint lace – handmade point d’alencon, point d’argentan…

Today, lace and linen in their finery are still prized possession. Now they adorn our bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens … but especially Bedrooms.

But now, more affordable – without losing appeal, style, class … and reverence.

So consider the collection The Lace and Linens Co. has made available for you, in: