Honiton Lace

Honiton Lace was made from the 17th century but this is the lace made in the 19th century that made Honiton famous: It was the favourite of Queen Victoria, whose coronation gown was made of Honiton. The queen was so impressed by the quality of the works that she commissioned a second piece as the christening robe of her eldest son, later to be king Edward VII. There is no proof of any lace making at Honiton as lace was made by individal workers who lived in the surrounding villages. The mos famous one were Branscombe, Axminster,Beer, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth..Each area developed a distinctive style.

Honiton Bobbin lace may be divided into three branches, Honiton, Honiton appliqué, and raised honiton.

Old Honiton Scarf in "raised" work and Appliqué

Raised Honiton:

The lace obtains its name from the raised cord bordering parts of the design, this cord being unlike any other, as it is made on the pillow by the worker as she proceeds, and thereby serves a double purpose: enriching the lace and making the work easier. The worker can by means of this cord proceed from one part of the design to another where she would otherwise be obliged to cut off the bobbins and restart.

 

People interested by Honiton lace schould visit the Alhalows Museum in Honiton.