Women Knitting a Lace Net, the Lacemaker as a Collaboration and Mutual Understanting Model

Abstract

Lacemakers represent one of the most active groups linked to textile in Europe. The crisis of the artisan lace business has not erased the interest and resistance of a predominantly female art that has sought new lines of representation and maintains very active networks for the exchange of knowledge, training and emotional support. This article analyzes the history of this group from its origins, when the activity was focused on work, to the new situation with the artistic and emotional experience at the center of the activity.
The study raises how the radial structure is one of the characteristics of this group throughout the centuries and how the global communication can reinforce it. The article is methodologically based on works aobut the women history and female associationism, the few documentary and studies about lacemakers and my experience like director museum dedicated to lace.