The Allure of Alencon Lace

Alencon lace, of French origin, is the most elaborate form of needlelace ever produced in France. With its traditional floral theme and use of a silky coronnet meandering around each blossom, each stem, each line in general - it exhibits a most formal and crisp look while still possessing an ultra feminine appeal. It had its beginning in the town of Alencon, France during the reign of Louis XIV in the mid 1600s - a result of the King's own determination to improve the quality of French lace to that of the more regal Italian, Flemish and Spanish laces of the time. The lacemakers who made this lace were skilled and created stunning work, elevating the lace to a status symbol; is it without doubt that Alencon's height of glory was during the Sun King himself's reign? With the overwhelming extravagance and Baroque frill of Versailles, it would be nothing less than expected of this lace. Alencon lace was used not only in clothing ornamentation but as bedspreads, valances, church altars were bedecked with it, priests wore it - as did the King's court "favorites" of the day...

The demand for the lace was almost extinguished during the Revolution as it was seen as a direct symbol of The Empire. In the mid-1800s, machines were able to recreate the Alencon look (and also all other lace types) quicker and cheaper. Modern alencon lace, dating from the early 20th century, is quite collectible and expensive; it ranks as the fifth most valuable compared to other laces. You can read more about the types of Alencon lace and about other laces and textiles in general on BelovedLinens.net.

I have obtained a beautiful suite of eight early 20th century ivory linen Alencon lace napkins with hand-rolled and sewn edges and put them in my online shop on Ruby Lane, Bella Tarra Vintage. They are shown here in the post photos. See more photos - revel in their beauty - and add them to your collection here.