Spanish Lace - part 1,
So little information can be found about "Spanish Lace", I thought that there wasn't much of a lace tradition in Spain. But while researching this article I found out how wrong I was.
Lacemaking in Catalonia (Spain) traces its origins back to the Middle Ages with beaded trims (passementerie) which could be said to be the precursor of lace. They consisted of twinning and plaiting different fibers to embellish ancient clothing.
Spain, a very large country by European standards adapted almost every type of lace popular in Europe from the 16th Century onward. Needlelace grew from embroidery and originated in nearby Italy. Bobbin lace, which resembled the weaving of fabric, came from Spanish Flanders, which later became Belgium. The lacemakers of Spain could not keep up with the demand for lace and imported vast quantities from Italy, France and Flanders until the sumptuary laws forbade it's import and it was then often smuggled in. As with other countries the development of lace in Spain went hand in hand with changes in fashion. One of the first large-scale uses of lace was in the "ruff". A ruffled collar worn closely around the face is often seen in portraits of the time. It used many yards of lace and was a gauge of status, as lace was very costly. That along with the cuffs, handkerchiefs and other accessories kept the lacemakers of Spain very busy. They appeared to love lace possibly even more than the French as they used it much more lavishly and even used precious lace to decorate coffins. One of the more traditional items of clothing was the one called "Mantilla española" (Spanish veil). It can be shaped as a rectangular cloth or with a fish form, it can also be triangular "pollitas". Outside Spain these "mantillas" were worn as shawls.
Catholic Spain also used large quantities of lace in its churches. Partly to decorate vestments and also to decorate alters. This special use of lace continues today. The following story of a special piece of 'church lace" was contributed by Carolina Gallego of Barcelona Spain as well as the other Spanish Lace Histories below.
"Punta de Barcelona" A new lace developed during the first half of 20th century in Barcelona, Spain.
Punta de Barcelona is a tape-based lace that combines needle and bobbin lace. It took its name from the Spanish town of Barcelona in the North of Spain, where the sisters Antonia and Montserrat Raventos of Ventura developed it.
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