MAKERS OF LACE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 64, 17 March 1933, Page 11

MAKERS OF LACE

HANDICRAFT KEPT ALIVE

In the pretty fishing village of Beer, on the coast of Devonshire, 'there is a little- colony of lace makers who are struggling to keep the famous Honiton lace industry alive in this machineridden age (states an exchange). They work to designs that have been handed down since the- days of Good Queen Bess, when the Flemish settlers introduced the handicraft to England. Today the colony of lacemakers is a tiny one, and only about 15 women are still at wotlc, but they are training their children to make the beautiful Honiton lace, and entrusting them with the task of keeping the handicraft alive.

Oldest of all the lace makers is Mrs. Ida Allen, a descendant of Jane Bidney, the- skilled craftswoman who made the laco worn by Queen Victoria at her wedding. Recently her little shop had a distinguished visitor, no other than the Duke of Connaught, who was passing through the village. The Duke- had heard of Mrs. Allen from Princess Marie JLouise, who regularly visits her shop, and he had long promised to visit her. He was keenly interested as she showed him some of her exquisite laces, .and told him. how she assembles the delicate roses, thistleleaves, and other emblems made by the other lace-makers in the village, working them into intricate and very lovely designs. Some times it takes several years to complete a single piece of lace, and Queen Victoria's wedding veil is said to have cost £1000.

The story goes that her Majesty was so pleased with the fin& work that she sent for Jane Bidney, who at this royal bidding, left Beer for the first time in her life, and made the journey by mail coach to the Court. Only on one other occasion did Jane leave her beloved village, and that was when she went to the Royal wedding at Queen Victoria's special invitation.