Reviews for Rita Bolland (1919-2006): Curator of Textiles

The average rating for Rita Bolland (1919-2006): Curator of Textiles based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2018-09-28 00:00:00 Denise Wiggins How marvelous to see the entrepreneurship of colonial Massachusetts. It's not often that an age in textile history is as well preserved as Ipswich lace. Marta's very thorough work documents the social, textile and political history surrounding this high demand good. Driving through Ipswich today, perhaps on the way to a leisurely day on the beach, it's difficult to think of this town as a bustling port in decline as its harbor is blocked by shifting sands. Can I imagine myself looking for reeds to stuff my lace pillow in the same places where now you find clam shacks and antique dealers? I'm off to the Whipple House and other historic area venues in search of lace from this time period.

Review # 2 was written on 2014-07-01 00:00:00 Denver Love Wonderful to read about Ipswich's cottage industry...the only known commercial lace making effort in the country. At one point, 25% of the female population (about 2400 total) were involved in the making of this "pillow lace." Girls began when they were about 8, one woman was still making lace when she died at 94! When the Industrial Revolution arrived in Ipswich, the home production of lace died.