Wessex Women
Mrs Robinson and the Downton lace pillow
Objects from: The Salisbury Museum
Mrs Robinson moved to Wiltshire in the 1890s. Together with her associate, Mrs Plumptre, she helped preserve the local lace-making industry.
Mrs Robinson moved to Wiltshire in the 1890s. Together with her associate, Mrs Plumptre, she helped preserve the local lace-making industry.
Home » What we do » Programmes & exhibitions » Wessex Women » Mrs Robinson
When Mrs Robinson moved to Wiltshire in the 1890s, she became an enthusiast for lace-making. But she was concerned that the number of those able to make lace was dwindling.
Along with her associate, Mrs Plumptre, she began collecting information and equipment to preserve lace-making skills.
The women quickly started to run classes locally for other women and children, passing on the skill of lace-making. In 1908, their efforts were even mentioned in an article in ‘Needlework Monthly’. The next year, Mrs Robinson was asked to take over the local lace industry altogether.
Mrs Robinson was motivated to preserve old skills and to provide opportunities for women and children in the Downton area to earn money in their own homes.
Lace-making continues in the area today and remains an important part of local trade history.
The object chosen to tell the story of Mrs Robinson was the Downton lace pillow (below).
The Victorian pillow is set up in the traditional pattern ‘Eggs and Rashers’. There are many unique lace patterns with interesting names; Downton Daisy, Buns and Butters, Big and Little Idiot..!
The patterns are known as ‘prickings’ and were held in place on the pillow with pins.
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!