Lacemakers Room

The Lacemakers Room

Our new Lacemakers Room opened in August 2021.  It tells the story of the lacemakers of Olney and surrounding villages with storyboards and displays of of exquisite lace and lacemaking equipment from our extensive collection.

From the late 16th to the late 19th century Olney was a lace-making town. Trace the development of this cottage industry through old pictures, photographs & examples of beautiful hand-made lace. You will also discover how William & John supported the lacemakers when they fell on hard times.

‘Yon cottager, who weaves at her own door,
Pillow and bobbins all her little store;
Content though mean, and cheerful if not gay,
Shuffling her threads about the live-long day,’

– ‘Truth’, William Cowper

 

Lacemaking

Find out more:

The History of  Lace-Making 

Elizabeth Knight’s introduction to lace-making (ODHS Website) 

Artefacts to find in this room

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Book Museum Tickets

Our Museum building remains CLOSED.  We are opening our gardens on limited entry.  The Cowper & Newton Museum gardens will be open to welcome you on Wednesday 5th August 10.30 – 12.15 and Saturday 8th August 10.30 – 12.15

(Follow our social media accounts or check back here for further opening days & times as they become available)