Handkerchief

Naturalism in design was a particular characteristic of English bobbin lace made at Honiton in Devon and the surrounding area in the 1860s. This handkerchief is typical, exhibited at the Bath and West of England's Agricultural Show show of 1864 in the category of lace 'worked either in flowers, fruit, leaves or insects, strictly designed from nature'.

Lady Paulina Trevelyan was one of the notable figures in the industry, working to improve the standard of lace design. The handkerchief was purchased by the Museum for 16 guineas (£16.80).