Orvieto Crochet Lace |
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Orvieto crochet lace was born at the end of XIX century; it has its roots in Ireland crochet lace. In 1907 some exponents of local aristocracy gave life to Ars Wetana, society of patronage whose aim was to give poor women an opportunity of gain with a work not particularly hard. Ireland crochet lace was chosen for its typical technique as well as because it was possible to divide the job among a number of lacemakers. Orvieto lace acquired features of its own very soon. Ars Wetana meant "to carry out the prodution of lace...referring in particular to Orvieto Dome old ornaments". So, the typical relief of lace designs take inspiration from Middle Age decorations (ivy and acanthus leaves, flowers, fantastic animals and figures) of the Dome, capturing them into a very thin net. The beauty of the lace and the perfection of the relief was then exalted by the particular way of ironing, that made it very close to Dome's marble reliefs. After meny vicissitudes, in 1974 Ars Wetana ended its activity as society of patronage to become a commercial company, carrying on with the same artistic level of its production. Some skillful lacemakers still carry on their activity, proposing the old designs as well as new creations. Some of them took part, in 1995, to the creation of the School "Bolsena Ricama" with the aim to bring to a revival traditional Orvieto lace work. |
