The Blackborne Lace Collection

One of the largest and most important lace collections in the world.

It includes important study collections and the stock of 19th century lace dealers, Anthony and Arthur Blackborne.  There are many rare pieces of lace including a cavalier’s collar (pictured) of English needle lace from around 1635.

The man’s cloak band (1635) is made of linen cutwork and geometric needle lace, probably English, the cloak depicts natural forms such as poppy heads, lilies and leaves. This is a very rare survivor, thought to be the only example of this style that is genuine and unaltered.  It is believed to have belonged to King Charles I, but there is no evidence for this. Whoever wore it would have been rich to afford such an extremely expensive luxury. Made by a very skilled lace maker, probably in London.

Another example of this includes as man’s cravat made from large scale raised Venetian needle lace dating from 1670 – 1690, tied with added linen and silk ribbon.  It has been re-created as a cravat using modern materials by the costume designer Luca Costigliolo.