In 2010 A History of the World in 100 Objects was broadcast on Radio 4 as a series of 15 minute programmes presented by Neil McGregor. The format intrigued me and at the beginning of 2021 I started to gather ‘objects’ that illustrate the many and varied ways lace and lacemaking has had an impact in the world over the past 500 years. At the end of 2021 with the help of my grandson Daniel Johns I put the objects into a full colour A5 book: A History of Lace in 100 Objects. Each object is on a separate page, illustrated with one or two images and a short text. No attempt has been made to put the objects into alphabetical or chronological order, however when the printer was asked what he thought of when ‘lace’ was mentioned, he said his grandmother’s doilies, so Doilies is number one. Number one hundred is the ‘object’ I consider to be the most important in the history of lace – you will have to buy the book to discover if you agree.
Books are available from me with all proceeds going to WIEGO, an international organisation that supports workers (mainly women) in the informal economy (ie no work, no pay) – these are people who have been badly hit by the Covid virus.
Books cost £10 + £1.50 postage (UK). If you would like a copy please contact me at gildye6@gmail.com or 9 Dunsgreen, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 9EH. Cheques to this address or contact me for bank details for payment by bank transfer.
Gil's Lace Miscellany 