Historical description

Venetian needle lace, more commonly known as Burano lace, is the ancient "stitch in the air" and had origins almost certainly in Venice amongst the noble classes around the middle of the 14^th century.

It reached great fame from the first quarter of the 17th century to the end of that century, with its famous baroque lace in relief (Venetian gros point lace and others); progressed further in the following centuries and at the end of the 19th century, because of the wishes of Venetian philanthropists, this technique was taught in schools giving work to many wives and daughters of fishermen, whilst contemporary artists created the designs. After a period of relative inactivity in this sector, at Venice and at Burano, from 1980 this beautiful type of lace has been revived with a scrupulous and rigorous teaching.

Information workshop 11^th - 12^th May 2005

Teacher: Cristina Brunello, Venezia

Language: Italian, French

Prerequisite: Expertise with a needle.

Objective:

Materials provided by the organisation: Threads, needles, galvanised wire, safety pin for brooch, couched design (basis for the work), work manual.

Materials to be provided by the pupils: thimble, sharp embroidery scissors, lace pillow, murello (length 15/17 - diameter 6cm approx.)
On request lace pillow (30 cm.) and murello (23 cm.) at €12.00