Object Name
Handkerchief
Date Made
1974
Materials
Linen --Lace
Eminent Figure
George Nicholas Speal
Catalogue Number
2010.111.003
Dimensions
Length 26.5 cm x Width 27.0 cm
Description
A handmade square shaped linen and lace handkerchief with a starched decorative scalloped border around the perimeter and an intricate floral pattern in one of the corners.
History
These linen and lace handkerchiefs were presented to Mayor George Speal on August 14, 1974 from the Belgian Olympic Committee Delegation. In 1976 Portsmouth Olympic Harbour hosted sailing events for the Summer Olympics in Montreal. For centuries, women have been traditional producers of handmade lace such as these Belgian examples, weaving threads held on bobbins and attached to a pattern pinned to a pillow.
