Antique Lace: Identifying Types and Techniques (Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Heather Toomer (Author, Photographer), Graham Searle (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002 | Series: Schiffer Book for Collectors

Lace, like silver or porcelain, can be classified by type and its date and place of origin often can be identified. But in the absence of marks giving maker or date, lace must be judged on its technical features and style. This new edition gathers fascinating and useful information in an easy to read and well-organized text covering needlepoint laces, embroideries, lace knitting and tatting, and bobbin laces made in Europe from the 16th century forward, including 19th century revivals. Each type is described and illustrated with hundreds of photographs and line drawings to show the technical characteristics and particular regard to the way one lace compares with another. A glossary, notes on cleaning, care, and conservation, and a price guide make this an essential reference for lace makers, designers, and lace collectors alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Author Heather Toomer is a respected expert on old lace. She has studied and collected antique lace for over 25 years, lectured, organized a touring exhibit of lace, and advised museums on displaying their lace collections. She lives near Bath, England. Cynthia Voysey took most of the photographs for this book. She is an authority on Honiton lace-making who has taught extensively in England and written and co-authored several books about lace.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764313843
• ISBN-13: 978-0764313844
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Textiles & Costume

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful & Timeless Addition to Reference Library & Lace Studies, October 19, 2008

By 

Mary (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antique Lace: Identifying Types and Techniques (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

I am surprised there are no reviews for this lovely book. Heather Toomer has a done a wonderful job organizing the complex field of lace, and crochet....its history and identification. I am delighted to add this to my advanced level reference books for lace and textiles. It would be great for all levels, but I love the fact that I can grow with the book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best antique lace primer, April 25, 2010

By 

B. Wolov - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Antique Lace: Identifying Types and Techniques (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This is the book to have if you're trying to understand any aspect of lace history, from differentiating one type from another to what was made where, when. Toomer gives plenty of detail, but does so in a way that makes it easy to understand, even for a novice. Highly, highly recommend.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Reference Manual To Add To Your Library, October 16, 2010

By 

Kathleen Koch - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Antique Lace: Identifying Types and Techniques (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn the history of lace as well as the types- and techniques- identification for which the book was written. The photo plates are superb!