Lace collar

This was attached to a 1980s Laura Ashley dress I bought from a closing down Theatre company. 17 inches long. It’s a bit grubby, I’m wary of washing it because of the likely black silk backing colour leach. Is it Victorian bobbin lace Leslie @Northern Lights Lodge? How do I best preserve it for framing? Leave it as it is? Thanks

 

Hi Houseful! What a charming piece! AND - you are right... it is "needle lace". It is - however - a great piece of machine needle lace! I don't see wonderful examples of machine needle very often! My guess is that it was yardage; and they cut and backed it on silk and trimmed it in beadwork.... very Victorian era! So this old piece must have been attached to a more modern Gunne Sax? As for washing: I'm with you. I think the black will leach out. So straight framing may be your best bet! Have fun with it! Leslie

 

I will Leslie, thank you.
I’m glad I did get the needle lace description right in my pm after first thinking it was bobbin but I wasn’t sure if it was machine. The theatre company seemed to alter lots of the garments mixing old and new to fit the production. I found a lovely old Chinese embroidered bag that was covered up with black velvet.
Got plenty of pieces to frame up next year when I retire!

 

That's excellent! I'm happy for you!
Leslie