Needle-lace from Zele

Needle lace is a Zeelse specialty par excellence. In the Lace Department of the Museum Erfgoed Zele (Zele, Belgium) we follow in the footsteps of Zeelse lacemakers, lace schools, and associations. When the museum was founded in 1996, Zeelse lace was given a place of honor and in 2008 this became a spacious room on the first floor. The collection is being systematically expanded, mainly with needle lace but also with pieces in white and black bobbin lace, original patterns and tools, and other lacework.

Zeelse lacemakers worked both according to their own designs and according to designs by illustrators and famous artists. Their creations found their way to local buyers, lace traders, and fashion houses. Design drawings for gifts to Belgian queens bear witness to the fame of the Zeelse lace industry. Photos, posters and diplomas bear witness to the social and educational context. Lacework has evolved into an artistic pastime with a great deal of attention for contemporary designs. Marie-Louise Vehent has been closely involved with the Artistic School for Needle Lace in Zele for many decades, as both a teacher and its director, and is deeply involved with the Lace Department of the museum. Join us for a fascinating tour led by Marie-Louise of Zele lace, past and present. 

Museum Erfgoed Zele Lace Department website: https://erfgoedzele.be/museumafdelingen/kant/