History of Devon Lace Teachers

Early in the 20th Century Devon County Council decided to fund classes in Honiton lacemaking in some South Devon schools and evening institutes in the hope of maintaining the local cottage industry of making this fine bobbin lace. By the end of the Second World War it was clear that lacemaking was no longer commercially viable, but classes continued in order to keep the traditional craft alive. They were taught by a group of teachers under the guidance of Mrs A L Whittaker, who was both teacher and technical advisor for the county. The present day lace teachers descend from this group, older teachers having passed on their knowledge and skill to their successors.

Classes flourished and multiplied in the 1970’s and 1980’s. In the current economic climate, even where numbers of students fall below the minimum now demanded for county funding, classes continue as the teachers run them privately. Some teachers also hold courses on Honiton lace at various venues in England and abroad.

In the earlier years, the teachers concentrated solely on Honiton lace. Now horizons are wider and most also make other laces, and some teach them.

The teachers regularly demonstrate their lacemaking at exhibitions and craft shows around the county.

The first Devon Teachers’ Lace Day was held in 1979 and from 1981 this became an annual event. As well as trade stalls, exhibitions and a talk, the sale of pattern sheets of new designs has always been a popular feature. Over the years hundreds of pounds from the profits of these Lace Days have been donated to local museums with lace collections and to Exeter charities. In recent times an annual Lace and Needlecraft Fair have replaced the Lace Day.

In 1979 Elsie Luxton, one of the early teachers, fulfilled a need by writing the first modern book on making Honiton Lace. In `1997 she was awarded the MBE for her services to lacemaking. Several other of the teachers have now produced lace books, including one on the only Devon needle lace, Branscombe Point.

Ever since Mrs Whittaker’s time, the Devon Lace Teachers have worked together as a group, which is possibly something unique in any adult education subject. Three times a year, teachers from all over Devon meet to exchange news and ideas, discuss problems and arrange events and demonstrations. This also ensures that a consistently high standard of tuition is always maintained.