HANDWORKED BEDFORDSHIRE MALTESE FLORAL LACE AND NET CHRISTENING BONNET     C.1900

This is a most delightful pale cream handworked lace bonnet with outstanding style. Decorative lace work being attached to netting under which there is a light pink lining. A pretty scalloped bobin lace frill frames the outer front edge and neck edge to the bonnet . Scalloped lace flaps decorate the cheek edge at each side; embellished with pink satin rosettes .

 Central panel of bobbin lace decorates the middle back of this bonnet either side are vertical hand stitched pintucks to the net.

Clean , no stains in good wearable condition ; a highly decorative individual antique bobbin lace bonnet most desired !

Measurements : outer face edge cheek to cheek:10 1/2"         neck edge: 9"

Ribbon ties can be provided if desired by buyer.

$230.00

SOLD ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS !

Lace-making was one of Bedfordshire’s main industries, being mentioned as early as 1596. By 1768, 500 women and girls – about a seventh of the town’s population – were making lace in Bedford alone. By the 1830′s the industry was in decline. A leading Bedford lace dealer called Thomas (or Thomazin) Lester and his sons did much to revive it. During the 1850′s they introduced a new type of lace which became known as Bedfordshire Maltese lace.