Volltext Seite (XML)
IBELAND. 391 Bone lace had never In any quantity been imported from England. In 1703, but 2333 yards, valuing only 116Z. 13s., or Is. per yard, passed through the Irish custom-house. Ireland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, received her lace either from France or Flanders. The thread used in the Irish fabric was derived from Hamburg, of which, in 1765, 2573 lbs. were imported. It was in this same year the Irish club of young gentlemen refused, by unanimous consent, to toast or consider beautiful any lady who should wear French lace or indulge in foreign fopperies. During the two succeeding years the lace of various kinds exhibited by the workhouse children was greatly approved of, and the thanks of the Society were offered to the Lady Arabella Denny. 9 Prizes were given to the children to the amount of 347. 2s. 67.; the same for bone lace made by other manufacturers; and one half the sum is also to be applied to “thread lace made with knitting needles.” A certain Mrs. Rachel Armstrong, of Inistioge (Co. Kilkenny), is also awarded a prize of 11Z. 7s. 67., “for having caused a con siderable quantity of bone lace to be made by girls whom she has instructed and employed in the work.” Among the premiums granted to “ poor gentlewomen,” we find: “ To Miss Jane Knox, for an apron of elegant pattern, and curiously wrought, 61.16s. 67.,” and silver medals to two ladies who, we suppose, are above receiv ing money as a reward. The society recommended that the bone lace made be exposed for sale in the warehouses of the Irish Silk Company. In consequence of the emulation excited among all classes, advertisements appear in the “ Dublin News ” of ladies “ very capable of instructing young misses in fine lace-making, needlework point, broderie en tambour, all in the genteelest taste.” Lady Arabella stood not alone as a patroness of the art. In 1770, we read how “ a considerable quantity of bone lace of extraordinary fineness and elegance of pattern, made at Castlebar, in the Co. of Mayo, being produced to the society, and it appear ing that the manufacture of bone lace was founded, and is at 9 “ The freedom of the city of Dublin stant care of the Foundling children in was also conferred upon her, presented the city workhouse/’- Dublin Freeman's in due form in a silver box, as a mark of Journal, July 30, 1 / 60. esteem for her great charities and con-