Lacemakers Room
The Lacemakers Room
Our new Lacemakers Room opened in August 2021. It tells the story of the lacemakers of Olney and surrounding villages with storyboards and displays of of exquisite lace and lacemaking equipment from our extensive collection.
From the late 16th to the late 19th century Olney was a lace-making town. Trace the development of this cottage industry through old pictures, photographs & examples of beautiful hand-made lace. You will also discover how William & John supported the lacemakers when they fell on hard times.
‘Yon cottager, who weaves at her own door,
Pillow and bobbins all her little store;
Content though mean, and cheerful if not gay,
Shuffling her threads about the live-long day,’
– ‘Truth’, William Cowper
Find out more:
Elizabeth Knight’s introduction to lace-making (ODHS Website)
