English "Point."—(Northampton.)
On the breaking out of the war with France, the closing of our ports to French goods gave an impetus to the trade, and the manufacturers undertook to supply the English market with lace similar to that of Normandy and the sea-coast villages of France; hence a sort of "fausse" Valenciennes, called the "French ground." But true Valenciennes was also fabricated so fine (Fig. 144) as to rival the products of French Hainault. It was made in considerable quantities, until the expertness of the smuggler and the cessation of the war caused it to be laid aside.
Fig. 140.
"Baby" Lace.—(Northampton.)
| Fig. 141. | Fig. 142. |
| "Baby" Lace.—(Beds.) | "Baby" Lace.—(Bucks.) |
One-third of the lace-workers of Northampton were employed, previous to the introduction of machine-made net, in making quillings on the pillow.
During the Regency, a "point" lace, with the "cloth" or "toilé" on the edge, for many years was in fashion, and, in compliment to the Prince, was named by the loyal manufacturers "Regency Point." It was a durable and handsome lace (Fig. 145).
Fig. 143.