This distinctive style of crochet was developed in the Convent
schools of Ireland in the early 19th Century to provide employment in
rural and fishing communities.
It is made with a fine metal crochet hook and usually a cotton
thread. Each motif is made separately and then joined together by a mesh
or bars, which are often decorated with small loops called picots.
The style is derived from earlier Italian needle laces such as
Venetian Gros Point, but incorporates Irish motifs such a
shamrocks and harps as well as designs taken from nature.
These include roses, daisies, butterflies, grapes and ferns. In the
finest work these were given an attractive three-dimensional appearance
by padding some motifs. Additional layers of petals were added to the
roses and the butterflies were given separate wings.
The weight and durability of crochet meant it was particularly
suitable for articles of costume such as jackets and dresses, collars,
cuffs and accessories such as bags and gloves as well as doilies for the
home.
The industry became highly successful and organized during the course
of the 19th century, exporting work as far away as America and providing
a livelihood for workers during the Potato Famine (1845-6), finally
declining with the growth of machine lace.
Irish Crochet continues to be made today as a hobby
lace.
Also,
mats with characteristic layered roses on a mesh background
are still made commercially in a number of countries today, but do not
match the quality of the earlier pieces. Now go
to the Gallery of Lace and Linens to see some pictures of this lace.