Lace and The Lace Reader

by Sara Glassman

Bobbin lace is defined by Wikipedia as “a lace textile made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread, which are wound on bobbins to manage them. As the work progresses, the weaving is held in place with pins set in a lace pillow, the placement of the pins usually determined by a pattern or pricking pinned on the pillow.”  The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry is defined by Tom Jenks of Narrative Magazine as “a literary page-turner, worthy for its story and for its art.”  While these are correct they are nowhere near complete.

Much like the fragile threads of bobbin lace and the bewildering, almost violent maze of pins they wind around, the flow of Towner Whitney’s life is beautiful and convoluted.  In some ways, it is the very complexity of her experience that makes it beautiful.  Brunonia Barry has twisted together a tale of strength through fragility, growth in the face of loss, and love born of hatred.  This book has all the tiny twists, turns, and kinks of a lace veil through which we glimpse something true.

This exhibit of handmade laces and lace making tools has been brought together to accompany this exciting novel, but also to highlight an amazing art that is being practiced here in Birmingham.  The lace being displayed here is gathered from women involved in fiber arts locally as well as some pieces purchased from women in other countries.  Some of these pieces were made for the love of the craft and some were made for sale tying into an industry dating back hundreds of years.  Though not all lace makers are women it is a field traditionally dominated by the fairer sex.  Ms Barry’s book has brought new interest to the beautiful Ipswich lace of New England while we are doing our part to introduce people to the beautiful lace being made right around the corner.