|
|
|
|
Bobbin-lace in Germany
During the
first half of the 16th century both needle and bobbin lace spread
throughout Europe. Needle-lace, which progressed from cutwork, to Reticella
and then Punto-in-Aria, probably came with traders/dealers and seamen from
the East to Venice and then spread out over Europe. The origin of bobbin
lace is still unknown but Aino Linnove from Finland argues in her doctoral
thesis that its genisis was in Italy, and it then disseminated east and
west throughout Europe. Meanwhile, there are others who say it started in
Flanders. Nevertheless, the technique traveled around very quickly and
reached the Erzgebirge in Germany. |
Bobbin lace making was mentioned for the first time in Annaberg, Germany in 1561. There, Barbara Uttmann was intimately associated with the lace industry. Born in 1514 in Enterlein, Saxonia, she moved with her family to Annaberg and she received the same education as her brothers, an extraordinary opportunaty at that time. Uttmann later became the wife of a rich silver mine owner, and when the productivity of the mine started to fall, she encouraged the populace to learn bobbin lace making. Although it is not known how Barbara Uttmann learned her craft, eventually women, children and even men did it for a living. Barbara tried to sell the lace herself -- and that was a problem. Her husband had died and at that time women weren't allowed to actively trade. However, she was able to obtain permission to trade locally, and after some years she became a respected member of Annaberg. She died in 1575. A Saxon lace trader erected a memorial to her in 1834 and all pictures we have of her today are from that time, so we don't know exactly how she looked. |
|
|
|
|
German Hooded Bobbins |
Thanks to Ilske Thomsen for the lace photos of antique German laces
for those who want more in depth information on lace in the different regions of Germany click here |
 |
 |
 |
|
