POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Knitted lace doily

Object No. 2011/44/3

This delicate knitted lace doily forms part of an extensive collection of textiles, dress and needlework assembled from 1953 to 2001 by Mrs Helen McLeod Crocker, traveller and collector. Almost thirty countries are represented in the collection. These include Afghanistan, Australia, Bali, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Lao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Salvador, Somalia, South America, Syria, Thailand, Turkey and Yemen. The inspiration for the collection was grounded in Helen Crocker's desire to preserve the true essence of the societies she encountered. As a result she was very selective in the objects she chose. Doilies such as this example represent an important pastime for women of the late 1800s to mid 1900s. Women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet provided a much needed creative outlet for some and a restful leisure activity for others, as well as a way to commemorate significant events or supplement the family income. Doilies, and embroidery and crochet work more generally, were an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value to the home and were used also in protecting furniture, floors and walls, and keeping insects away from food.

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Summary

Object Statement

Doily, knitted lace, cotton, maker unknown, place of production unknown, 1953-2001

Physical Description

Doily, knitted lace, cotton, maker and place unknown, 1953-2001 Circular lace doily knitted in a traditional star flower design with a chain crochet edge.

DIMENSIONS

Width

270 mm

Diameter

270 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

This doily was produced between 1953-2001. The doily is of knitted lace which gives it a delicate and transparent quality. It was worked from the central point outwards, forming a large flower form with eight shaped petals and openwork filling the space between and around them. The doily is bordered with two rows of crocheted chain stitch forming a lacy openwork edging. The doily sits flat, indicating the skill of the maker.

HISTORY

Notes

This knitted lace doily was collected by Mrs Helen Crocker during her travels throughout Europe between 1953 and 2001.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Peter Crocker, 2011

Acquisition Date

11 July 2011

Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.

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