The coat-of-arms of the Belgian province of West Flanders is depicted on this Mechlin bobbin lace piece. It was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was most likely intended to be inserted into a larger item. See a similar motif in TE*E383965.
This fan leaf was designed for the Belgian Lace Committee by Belgian painter Charles Michel. His name is worked in needle lace into the ground (reseau) along the inner edge. The central motif of helmet, swords and weaponry is flanked on either side by the war years 1914 and 1915. The rising sun, laurel leaves and other floral motifs are also included. Brussels bobbin lace was mainly used for the motifs and connected with Point de Gaze type needle lace. Belgian lace makers made this fan leaf during World War I. It has never been mounted to fan sticks.
This lion-and-crown motif was designed to represent the coat-of-arms of the Belgian province of Luxembourg. The Mechlin bobbin lace medallion was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I, and was likely intended to be inserted into a larger item. See a similar motif in TE*E383965.
This example of Mechlin bobbin lace depicts a whimsical variant of the Gallic rooster, symbol of France. The motif was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was likely intended to be inserted into a larger item.
Floral motifs in the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique were used for this cotton lace border. The repeated pattern is four and three-eight inches long, and the ends are unfinished. The pattern is the same as in TE*T14225B, except for the scalloped edge. It was identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
This border has motifs of women, men, windmills, and trees. Below the figures is the Flemish saying “MYN VADERLAND IS MYN DUURBAARSTE PAND” (My homeland is my most cherished possession) worked into the lace. This Lille type bobbin lace features a nine-inch long pattern repeat and a picot edge. It was designed for the Dutch market for edging their bonnets. Both ends are finished with a narrow Mechlin bobbin lace border with floral motifs outlined with gimp. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion depicts the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in the Belgian province of West Flanders. Other medallions, two with the American eagle, two with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, and another with the municipal shield of Ruysselede complete the set. See a similar motif in TE*E383967. Belgian lace makers made these laces during World War I.
This table runner has a central inscription of “VLAANDEREN IN DEN KRYG – HULDE VAN ARDOYE – 1915” (Flanders in War – Tribute from Ardoye). Nine embroidered Belgian province shields and the 1915 municipal shield for Ardoye decorate the border. The German Army used poisoned gas for the first time on the western front in 1915 by Ardoye near Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium.
The linen fabric of the table runner is embroidered in satin stitch and French knots with cotton. The floral border surrounding the shields is rendered in the Bruges flower lace technique and braided mesh. Lace and embroidery was made by Belgian women during World War I.
This needle lace table mat commemorates the coronation of King George V in 1911. The four women represent Fortitude, Wisdom, Justice, and Peace, represented by the lance, helmet, sword, and shield. The artist was Bernard Partridge, who published the cartoon in Punch Magazine in 1911. The shields of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales are inserted in the corners of the mat. The center and the shields are made in the Point de Gaze technique. This beautiful needle lace was probably made by Belgian lace makers during World War I in gratitude for British help.
This fingerless mitt, one of a pair, is handmade of white cotton in Chantilly style bobbin lace with floral motifs. A ribbon is added along the top edge. The back of the mitt is fastened with a small button. The mitt matches TE*T14221A and was identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I
A peacock motif is the focus of this border in Point de Paris bobbin lace. It was probably made in Courtrai (Kortrijk), Belgium by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
This cotton lace border with floral motifs was made using the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique. The repeated pattern is four and three-eight inches long, and the ends are unfinished. The pattern is the same as in TE*T14225A, but with a straight edge. It was identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion features the coat-of-arms of Belgium. Other medallions, two with the American eagle, another with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, and two with the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) complete the set. See a similar motif in TE*E383967. Belgian lace makers made these laces during World War I.
This tablecloth is embellished with padded satin stitch embroidery and Point de Venise style needle lace. The center insets feature the coats-of-arms of the Allies: Romania, Belgium, Montenegro, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Italy, France, and Portugal. The triangular insets with oak leaves and acorn motifs symbolize strength and endurance.
Embroidered around the border is “1914 A MRS BRAND WHITLOCK 1915 1916 HOMMAGE RECONNAISSANT DES DENTELLIERES BELGES 1917” (1914 to Mrs. Brand Whitlock 1915 1916 grateful tribute from the Belgian lace makers 1917). The lace and embroidery was made by Belgian women during World War I.
This panel was specifically designed to express appreciation to the Americans for their help during World War I. The entire panel was executed in fine Valenciennes style bobbin lace by Belgian lace makers. The American Eagle in the center is flanked by the coats-of-arms of Belgium and the municipality of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in West Flanders. The inscription “AAN DE VEREENIGDE STATEN” (to the United States) is worked into the lace in the top border. “1914 HULDE EN DANK 1915” (1914 honor and thank you 1915) enhances the bottom border. The side borders contain the words “BELGIE” and “RUYSSELEDE” surrounded by floral designs.
This square table cover has shields of the nine Belgian provinces in the center and a border of animals representing four of the initial Allied powers: Bear (Russia), Lion (Belgium), Rooster (France), and Unicorn (Great Britain). The motifs were executed in Point de Paris bobbin lace and pulled thread embroidery by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Twenty-five squares with mythical motifs were assembled to make this bedcover. Seven different fantastical needle lace motifs are repeated one to five times. The bedcover is assembled from different types of bobbin and needle lace. The geometric point de Venise style needle lace border is stitched together in the corners. Insertions of Brussels style bobbin lace connected with Alençon style needle lace mesh separate the various motifs. The donor identified this as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
The coat-of-arms of the Belgian Province of Antwerp is the featured motif on this example of Mechlin bobbin lace. This piece was probably designed to be inserted into a larger item. It was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I. See a similar motif in TE*E383965.
Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion focuses on the American eagle motif. Two other medallions with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, two with the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in the Belgian province of West Flanders; and another with the American eagle complete the set. See a similar motif in TE*E383967. Belgian lace makers made these laces during World War I.
The Montenegro coat-of-arms depicting a double-headed eagle with a lion in the center shield is the focus of this example of Mechlin bobbin lace. This piece was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was probably designed to be inserted into a larger item.