Lace, Its Origin and History

"Lace, Its Origin and History" by Samuel L. Goldenberg is a chronicle from the turn of the century, crafted as a manual for those involved in the lace trade, tracing the art form's development across time and cultures. Goldenberg examines how lace evolved from its beginnings to modern times, focusing on its importance commercially and artistically. Beginning the study, Goldenberg shares his intent to give a useful summary of how lace-making changed, admitting his work is not deeply academic, but informed by historical stories and instances, asserting lace as we know it, began in the 1500s in Italy and Belgium, and he describes needle-point and bobbin lace methods. He also discusses the role of convents in growing these skills showing methods and a brief look into industrial changes that converted lace-making from careful handwork to factory production.