LACE, VALENCIENNES, HANDKERCHIEF

Before the advent of paper tissues, embroidered and lace handkerchiefs were an essential costume accessory for both men and women. This fine white lawn handkerchief is edged with French Valenciennes hand bobbin lace, circa 1900, a lace which is intricate and time consuming to make and so, very expensive.

In one corner of the handkerchief, are beautifully hand embroidered initials, “RM”.

Throughout the middle decades of the 18th C, Valenciennes was in great demand with the aristocracy who prized it not only for the delicacy, and beauty of its designs but also for the strength and firmness of its structure which made it very durable even through repeated washings. Its smoothness and strength made it particularly suitable for underwear (a favourite with Queen Victoria), babies’ wear and trimmings for bedsheets and pillowcases.