Search results

Start typing

Flemish

Christening Garments 1660 - 1700

Linen and bobbin lace | RCIN 45187

Your share link is...

  Close

  • A set of christening garments of linen and lace; the majority of the lace is Flemish bobbin lace, in the Italian style. The set includes one shirt trimmed with lace, one plain cap, one cap trimmed with lace, one forehead cloth with lace and ties, three pairs of mittens, one pair of which is trimmed with lace, one lace stayband, two plain staybands, two lace collars, and one pair of cuffs for an adult, reputedly worn by the Maid of Honour who held the baby, although more likely from the 18th Century; all in a hinged box with a more modern linen slip case embroidered with flowers and with the cipher of Charles I.

    Flemish bobbin lace of this type is characterised by large scrolling oriental flowers, which have been simplified for the smaller borders. The bridges (also known as brides) going backwards and forwards across the empty spaces in one continuous line are very characteristic of Flemish bobbin lace. The narrow pieces of lace are woven straight with bobbins and the pleated into position, if shaped; the wider pieces are tape lace with each motif made separately with bobbins and then joined together with brides, they are also pleated into position, for example on the collar (45187.k), rather than woven into shape. The pattern repeat of the wider pieces is approximately 30cm. The same lace has been used on the forehead cloth (45187.l) and lace stayband (45187.j) although different sections have been used for different parts and the two sides of the stayband (45187.j) not symmetrical. This is actually more typical for Italian lace, Flemish is more often symmetrical (although this is Flemish imitating Italian). Only the tiny pair of lace mittens are of Brussels bobbin lace, identifiable by being slightly raised and more three-dimensional with the tapes running over each other.

    These garments have traditionally been associated with Charles I, who was christened at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 23 December 1600. However, the lace is of a later date and therefore cannot be associated with the Christening of either Charles I or Charles II.

    Provenance

    Acquired by King Edward VII in 1909

  • Medium and techniques

    Linen and bobbin lace

  • Alternative title(s)

    Christening garments of Charles I

  • Place of Production

    Brussels [Belgium]


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.