Review of Lace Unarchived

Abstract

The exhibition LACE UNARCHIVED was held from 23 February to 29 March 2018, in Bonington Gallery, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham. The exhibition brought together contemporary lace practice alongside samples of textile heritage from an archive situated in the heart of machine-made lace making – Nottingham. The context of the exhibition was the 175th anniversary of the School of Art and Design in the city, the forerunner of what became the University of today, which was established to support the local lace industry. The exhibition gave an opportunity to celebrate this heritage and also to reflect upon the impact of lace in contemporary practice – design and art. Designers Timorous Beasties, heritage brand Burberry, Retailers Oasis and Hobbs were, among others, shown aside fabrics from Nottingham lace manufacturers from across the UK and beyond. Vitrines were used to exhibit items from the archive to show the fascinating array of objects held within it – from the political lace designs of William Pegg, to examples of teaching materials, drawings from the Battle of Britain panel and commercial designs from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This exhibition, which attracted a record 2000+ visitors, offered the opportunity to reflect on the impact of industrial heritage and marvel at its ability to continue to inspire contemporary creativity.

Keywords:

• Lace
• heritage
• creativity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Janis Jefferies

Janis Jefferies is an artist, writer and curator; she is Emeritus Professor of Visual Arts at Goldsmiths. She is recognized by her peers as one of the leading practitioner/theorists of her generation, through solo exhibitions of work, conferences and professional seminars and artist residencies, visiting professorships, journal publications, 1 edited book and chapter contributions to anthologies. She was one of the founding editors for Berg publishers of Textile; The Journal of Cloth and Culture. [email protected]