Historical information

This is a machine made lace trim which as been made to look handmade. It measures 4.6cm by 253cm and is quite an unusual design which gives the fabric of the lace a slight elasticity. It was most likely used as a trim for an undergarment such as a petticoat, pantaloons or for a comfortable nightgown.

Significance


The Amess family owned Churchill Island from 1872 to 1929

The names of the Amess women who owned the lace are:
Jane Amess (nee Straughan) – donor Unity’s great grandmother (pet name Janet, but not used as it will confuse with Unity’s mother). Jane was the wife of Samuel Amess, first Samuel Amess to own Churchill Island.
Frances Amess (nee Turnbull) – grandmother, married Robert Lisle Straughan Amess, 4th child of Samuel and Jane
Janet Jickell (nee Amess) – mother, 2nd of two children of Robert and Francis, married James Jickell
Unity Mary Bright (nee Jickell) was the donor, 2nd of two children of Robert and Francis.

Physical description

machine made lace trim made to look hand made. Slight elasticity.