Historical information

This small hand crocheted motif is a classic example of Irish crochet. It has been made to look like bobbin lace with the diamond shaped ground but with delicate picots resembling Clones knots and the flower design made with half trebles and trebles. It appears to be one motif of a series to be attached to a fabric to form a decorative edging. The hypotenuse of the triangle has plain loops for attachment whereas the other two sides have the scalloped edges with picots/Clones knots. Irish crochet was developed in the mid-19th century by the Ursuline nuns in County Cork but was soon being taught in every convent in the country. It was taught to women to give relief from poverty.

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

Small triangle piece of Irish crochet.