Langdale Linen Industry

Bag made of Ruskin lace, bought in 1916. Bag made of Ruskin lace, bought in 1916.

The Langdale Linen Industry was set up in Westmorland, Cumbria, by Alfred Fleming, with the support and patronage of William Ruskin (1819-1900) and upon earlier work carried out by Miss Susanne Beever (1805-1893), who came from the area and who was the editor of Ruskin's book, Modern Painters. The Industry was initally led by Fleming's housekeeper, Marian Twelves.

The Industry produced hand woven linen for a form of embroidery that was based on sixteenth-century reticella and cutwork, now often known as 'Ruskin lace'.

Fleming and Twelves established a training centre for girls and women at a cottage, which they called St Martin's, the Catholic saint who was known for giving his coat to the poor. Here the women would learn how to spin, and from here they would go back to their own houses to continue their domstic crafts.

Digital source (from The Ruskin Museum; retrieved 7 November 2016).

Digital source of illustration (retrieved 7 November 2016).

WV

Last modified on Saturday, 04 March 2017 21:07
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