The history of lace is a long story. Despite the many setbacks, its thread is continuous. It extends over several centuries and weaves itself throughout Europe to the gates of the Middle East, from the sixteenth century to today.

France has a special place in this story, and it is thanks to the initiative of Gilles Bonnevialle, Director of the French Institute in Latvia, who was able to convince the museums of Liepaja and Tukums that I have the honor of introducing it to the Latvian public.

A story full of contrasts that combines simplicity and complexity, humility, and richness. The simplicity of the thread and the art of tying it, the complexity of the stitches and techniques. All the humility of the embroiderers and seamstresses working in the shadows and the richness of laces elected and worn with panache by both nobility and clergy.

A history that combines  craftsmanship and industrial engineering, tradition and modernity. A craft that transformed lace into one of the jewels of French production in the seventeenth century, and the industrial genius of the nineteenth century that paved the way for the manufacture of mechanical lace with the famous Leavers looms. Symbol of tradition, attached to religious celebrations and to modern times with the invention of nylon at the end of the 1930s, a total revolution for lingerie!

Creation and innovation inherent in today’s lacemaking activity.