PILLOW-LACE MAKING.
The „pillow in ordinary“, is recognized and generally appreciated as an aid to repose. The pillow extraordinary, and which is most in evidence in the district of Žamberk and its immediate neighbourhood, is anything but an article suggestive of restful moments; rather is it the foundation upon which very beautiful work is dexterously executed by nimble fingers, and which necessitates a decidelly „wide-awake“ condition amongst the pillow owners.
The town of Vamberk is where the lace industry was first introduced in Bohemia at the beginning of the 17 th century by the Lady Magdalen de Meldeg a native of Belgium. The present pillow-lace branch of our home industries, is the revival of a trade which for a long time had suffered from neglect. In 1897, it was decided to resuscitate the old art and endeavour to put new life into it. Results have justified the action of those who led; and directed the movement. The primary object, to improve the condition of the people by providing work for the naturally intelligent and industriously disposed peasantry, has been attained, and the success achieved is the best possible proof of the excellent qualities of Bohemian Pillow-lace.
In the centre of the trade, more than a thousand workers are engaged in the production of this special kind of lace, in as much as there are 693 adult females and 320 girls kept busy.
They can earn 6 d—1 s 4 d or 4 d to 6 d per day. Very expert adults can make 9 d—1 s 8 d for a day’s labour.
The laces are disposed of to dealers in Vamberk who export chiefly to Germany and America.
The materials used in the work are the best that can be had in the leading markets. The finest yarn is imported from Belgium, while the rich silks come from Switzerland and France.
Amongst the many styles produced, one of the most characteristic is the „vláčková krajka“ in which the design is bordered by a special „Cordonnet“. This is chiefly exported to Gallicia and the Russian part of Poland.
There are no less than twenty schools in this district in which lace making is taught compulsorily, a practical
