ANTIQUE LINEN, VINTAGE LINEN, VICTORIAN TABLE CLOTHS

VICTORIAN TABLE LINEN. ANTIQUE LACE AND CUTWORK. VINTAGE TEXTILES AND ACCESSORIES.

Somewhere in Time, Ramsbottom, Rossendale, Lancashire, UK

LANCASHIRE'S COSIEST ANTIQUE SHOP IN HISTORIC RAMSBOTTOM

A variety of table cloths in various sizes, textures and trims, plain and patterned. Cloths for square and round tables, dining, occasional, side tables and buffets.

Real linen was woven from flax and in Victorian times was very expensive because the manufacturing process was slow and labour intensive. Because of this, many Victorian ladies treasured their table linen and the best pieces were passed down the family as minor heirlooms. A traditionally laid table with sparkling glass and silver on shining starched damask was then the norm. By the end of the 19th century cotton was sometimes used and classed as linen, but was considered inferior as it creased more and gave a less glossy surface.

As a reflection of the high prices of 19th century linen, old dinner tablecloths were cut down and used as lunch or small tray cloths. Damask napkins would be cut up, fringed with lace or embroidery, and used as doilies.

To email your enquiry click here

Or telephone 01706 828100

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

VICTORIAN TABLECLOTHS & TABLE LINEN

ANTIQUE TABLE MATS, DOYLEYS AND RUNNERS

Somewhere in Time, Ramsbottom, Lancashire, UK

VINTAGE ANTIMACASSARS

Macassar Oil was used primarily by Victorian and Edwardian men as hair dressing. Basically coconut oil or palm oil to which was added the very fragrant ylanf ylang oil as well as other fragrant oils, Macassar Oil was so named because the ingredients were bought from the Indonesian port of Makassar. Because of the tendency for the oil to transfer from a gentleman's hair to the back of the chair on which he was sitting, the antimacassar was developed. Essentialy a small crocheted cloth placed on the back of the chair, these items became very decorative as well as functional.

CHRISTENING GOWNS

EDWARDIAN CHEMISETTES AND DICKIES

FEATHER HACKLES

Ruffles and neckline accessories have been fashionable since the 15th century, originaly formed by the drawstring of the full chemise, until becoming a seperately constructed part of a garment a century later. From the Georgian period onward, fancy trimmings became an essential part of every article of attire, from bonnets to pantalettes, necklines and sleaves. Remaining a fashion item on and off in more recent times, most ruffles come mounted on a safety pin for ease of removal and pressing.

LACEWORK AND CROCHET

True lace was first made in the 16th century in the convents of Europe, where it was used for alter cloths and vestments. It soon came to adorn the clothing of only the most wealthy, as making lace by hand was a very slow and labour intensive process. During the 19th century a succession of increasingly sophisticated lace making machines were developed. By the early 20th century the Nottingham lace industry was booming, although almost all the machine lace produced in England during Edwardian times was made from cotton. The best hand-made lace still came from Belgium and Italy. The first world war effected trade badly, after which the fashion swung away from the frivolous Edwardian style and lace fell out of favour. It has however become more fashionable in recent years as a collectable item.

VICTORIAN SHAWLS AND GLOVES

RETURN TO HOME PAGE

Enter supporting content here