Stalenboek met kanten vervaardigd op de kantschool te Sluis c. 1850 - 1899

This is a sample book of lace, made at the Royal Lace School 'Queen Sophie of the Netherlands' in Sluis. Lace-making was a widespread craft in the Netherlands, and the Royal Lace School of Sluis aimed to preserve and promote this traditional skill. The late 19th century saw a renewed interest in traditional crafts. The lace school would have provided training and education, ensuring the continuation of this art form. These schools served an important social function, offering women a means of economic independence through skilled labor. Lace was not merely decorative; it had economic value and cultural significance. As a historian, one would consider the socio-economic factors that led to the establishment of such institutions, the role of women in the workforce, and the cultural value placed on handmade goods versus industrial production. This book reminds us of the complex interplay between art, labor, and social change.