Bloxham Village History Club

Wednesday 16 September, 7.30pm

Jubilee Park Hall, Barley Close, Bloxham

Suzy Stathers: “Victorian Lacemaking”

Our ’26-’27 season kicks off with a talk about an important historic local craft and trade, in the counties of central England and the West Country particularly, in the nineteenth century. Suzy will bring many samples, photos and documents to show. This was an activity full of challenge: cottage-based production faced competition from growing industrial output as the nineteenth century progressed; it was tough and insecure work, essentially for women and girls, based on piece-rates and long hours. By contrast, fine lace was an expensive, luxury product with an international market. While fashions operated in its favour there was money to be made from lace-making. Highly specialised products were developed including, for example, the black lace associated with nearby Middleton Cheney.

Everyone is very welcome to our sociable and stimulating meetings. Our season of talks stretches from Sept to May, with something for everyone!

Refreshments provided (from 7.15pm). Admission: free for members (£13 annual sub covers all eight speaker meetings); £5 visitor charge. Contact Ian Myson (ian myson@hotmail.com) for further information.