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Courses
from Nov 18 2025 to Nov 20 2025

Online Course | Bobbin lace. Recognition, Study and Cataloguing

The aim of the course is to offer tools to recognize, analyze and describe laces, through the observation of objects in various states of conservation, both ancient and contemporary. The basic course is designed for historians, curators, artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, and is available in Italian, English, French, and German. The course lasts six days and covers all types of bobbin lace exploring their technical, historical, and stylistic characteristics. 

Streaming ONLINE,  using ZOOM Meeting. 

course length: 21 hours | from 9 am to 1pm, from 2pm to 5pm

total cost: € 400,00 (vat included)

The course is provided in: Italian, English, French and German language.

Teacher: Thessy Schoenholzer Nichols

The methodology of the course "Analysis of Bobbin Handmade Lace" offers an individualized journey of personal discovery, supported by targeted lists that cover all aspects of lace. 

During the course, students have access to authentic antique lace, which they can study, analyze, and photograph, creating their own archive. The aspects of preservation and possible alterations to lace pieces are also examined. Additionally, students learn to use microscopes for in-depth analysis of fibers, twists, and interlacings. From the outset, participants complete detailed analytical records of each item. The course foundation is a technical and historical manuscript, accompanied by an international vocabulary.

The aim of the course is to offer tools to be able to recognize, analyze and describe laces, through the observation of objects in various states of conservation, both ancient and contemporary. 

Topics:

Recognition of continuous-thread laces based on braids, with continuous and discontinuous tapes, à pièces rapportées, with different grounds and with continuous threads.

1 day
9 am - 1 pm (theory) - General introduction and method of recognition and analysis
a) What is a lace and where did it come from.
b) Lecture of the object, after Noemi Speiser, Moritz Dreger e Gottfried Semper
c) Introduction of online research
d) Fibers analysis
e) Basic documentation of the object itself, measurements, repeats
f) Stylistic approach.
g) Introduction of correct Inventorying
h) Presentation of the procedure method, first always demonstration, then vision on
PowerPoint then vision of the object

2pm - 5 pm (theory) - Bobbin lace based on plats

2 day
9am - 1pm (theory) - Bobbin lace based on tapes
2pm – 5pm (theory) - Bobbin laces worked in separate pieces

3 day
9am - 1pm (theory) - Continuous thread bobbin laces
2pm – 5pm (practice) - Inventorying of laces


Total hours theory: n. 18                                     Total hours practice: n. 3

How to enroll for Online Course | Bobbin lace. Recognition, Study and Cataloguing

You can book now this course. The course will take place once it has reached the required amount of particpiants. Book now and you will be notified soon!
step 1
1. Send the application form
Please fill out the registration form and send it back to us via email to
step 2
2. Pay the deposit
After sending the enrollment form, you can choose to pay the deposit or directly the whole fee, using the same email address.
80
taxes incl.
step 3
3. Balance payment
After sending the enrollment form, make your payment using the same email address.
400
taxes incl.

Faculties

Thessy Schoenholzer Nichols

A restorer and scholar of ancient costumes, embroideries and laces. She is the author of numerous essays on laces and costume. 

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