The Fashion History of Lace at Barrington Public Library

Barrington Public Library and Barrington Preservation Society bring curator Madelyn Shaw to the library’s auditorium on Thursday, November 21 at 7 PM to detail the fashion history of lace.

When Kate Middleton walked down the aisle at her wedding to Britain’s Prince William, the lace that adorned her gown was immediately copied in fashion centers around the world.  For Barrington residents this brings to mind Rhode Island Lace Works Factory, the last remaining lace mill in Rhode Island. For centuries lace has been a fashion favorite, where in the late 19th century it decorated the wardrobes and homes of only the wealthiest members of society. Explore the beginnings of lacemaking in Renaissance Europe, and its history of smuggling, economic ruin, kidnapping, and artistic grandeur through the Victorian era.

Madelyn Shaw is an independent curator and author specializing in the exploration of American history and culture through textiles and dress. In her first graduate school internship she catalogued several boxes of rare laces from the collection of famed New York City antique textile and clothing dealer Cora Ginsburg, which hooked her for life on this amazing textile. Ms. Shaw has curated numerous exhibitions, most recently “Color Revolution: Style Meets Science” for the American Textile Museum in Lowell, MA. She was the Curator of Costumes and Textiles at the RISD Museum. She is the author of several publications, and her work has won numerous awards.

This event is free and open to all. Sponsored by the Barrington Preservation Society, Barrington Public Library and the Friends of Barrington Public Library.

Barrington Public Library is located at 281 County Road, Barrington, RI. Visit on the web at www.barringtonlibrary.org or call 401-247-1920.