Bedfordshire Lace

Classic

Contemporary

Craft

MarGorsson

Bedfordshire Lace or Bedfordshire ‘Maltese’ is referred to as an ‘East Midlands guipure lace’. Bedfordshire Lace gets its name from Bedford, the home town of the Lester family.

Founded by Thomas Lester it is his son Thomas who is associated with Bedfordshire Lace due to his floral designs. Unlike Buckinghamshire Lace or ‘Bucks Point’ the design is not supported be a net ground instead is connected by plaits or ‘brides’.

The lace is characterised by woven trails with areas of whole cloth or half stitch areas which are enhanced by tallies the edging these all give the lace a very open and delicate feeling. Depending on the thread used Bedfordshire can be used for furnishing as well as being used for the finest dress decoration.

Cluny and Maltese laces are closely associated with Bedfordshire Lace. Maltese lace usually incorporates the Maltese cross and is often made in a cream or black silk thread. Cluny is usually made with a thicker thread and can appear quite course in its appearance.