|
|
|
Lace History
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) visiting local lacemakers in Sannat, Gozo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An old lace maker in the Gozitan countryside some 60 years ago.
It is true that a lot of lace material and original designs was destroyed but the craft remained rooted in the heart of many Maltese (but especially the Gozitans) who carried it away with them even to the countries where many emigrated. This was proved by their spontaneous attendance to lace classes at the School of Art newly opening in Għajnsielem in 1989. In 1996, Lacemaking Programme was created at University of Malta - Gozo Centre to teach lace on a higher accademic level, from which students attain a Certificate Course under the tuition of Consiglia Azzopardi.
From Lacemaking Programme resulted the setting-up of "Koperattiva Għawdxija tal-Bizzilla u Artiġjanat", a lace co-operative which provides genuine hand-made lace worked by the best workers who have graduated from the Certificate course. The co-operative specializes in individual projects made to order, and designs are tailored to the customers' tastes. The size of worked items vary from small doileys, table mats of all shapes and sizes to large table-cloths, silk shawls, veils in white or black, wedding dresses, flounces for liturgical vestments, church lace.
Malta Lace Guild was established in 2000 and is also run by students graduating from Lacemaking Programme. It publishes a quarterly bilingual magazine written in English and Maltese; it gives information about the lace activities going round locally and abroad, and publishes as well articles and courses which may be of interest to lace makers and to other related crafts enthusiasts. Subscribers from all over are most welcome. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
