Historical information

This little square, at just 6cm in width is quite intricate crochet work. The thread used appears to be a fine cotton and the pattern would have been executed with a very small metal or bone crochet hook.

Queen Victoria learned the craft and made eight scarves for veterans of the South African War. After the Irish Potato Famine she purchased Irish crocheted lace to help Irish women who were struggling to make a living, and this popularised the craft.

Significance

The Amess family owned Churchill Island from 1872 to 1929. This lace collection was owned and contributed to by four generations of Amess women.

Physical description

Hand crochet square