Nottingham City Libraries has partnered with LibraryOn to present an insightful snapshot into the rich history of Nottingham Lace.
Nottingham Lace evolved dramatically with the advent of the industrial revolution. Innovations in lace-making machinery, such as John Heathcote’s bobbin-net machine, revolutionised production, enabling Nottingham to become a global leader in textiles and lace machinery manufacturing. The city’s lace products gained international acclaim.
The new resource, available on the LibraryOn website, showcases the extensive Local Studies collection at Nottingham Central Library.
This includes books, maps, artefacts, documents, and photographs that highlight the intricate lace-making process, the social history of lace production and technological advancements. First-hand accounts from former lace workers, collected in the 1970s, offer a glimpse into their daily lives and struggles.
All materials are accessible to library and non-library members by visiting Nottingham Central Library or via email enquiry to: LocalStudies.Library@Nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
Councillor Lux, Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure, and Culture at Nottingham City Council said:
“This collaboration between Nottingham City Libraries and LibraryOn celebrates and preserves our local heritage.
“The history of Nottingham Lace highlights the city’s resilience, innovation, and the contributions of countless workers.
“By exploring this history, we honour their legacy and gain insights into our cultural and economic development. This resource is crucial for educating and inspiring future generations.”
Tiina Hill, LibraryOn Head of Delivery at the British Library said: ‘We are so thrilled at LibraryOn to have partnered with Nottingham Central Library on this special project that explores how Nottingham was shaped by the industrial revolution and became the centre of fine lace production.
“From the first-hand accounts of workers in the factories to photographs of Jardine’s lace machinery, this project highlights the role libraries play in recording local history and offers a fascinating insight into the social and economic impact of lace manufacturing over 400 years in Nottingham.’
Visitors can view the Nottingham’s Lace feature on the LibraryOn website, which includes a timeline of Nottingham’s lace industry, a curated reading list, links to related archives, and 3D exhibitions.
This initiative is part of Nottingham City Libraries’ ongoing efforts to make local history accessible and engaging. By partnering with platforms like LibraryOn, Nottingham City Libraries aim to connect people with the rich stories that have shaped their city, fostering a deeper appreciation of Nottingham’s heritage.
For more information and to explore the Nottingham Lace feature, visit LibraryOn, and to find out more about the services in Nottingham City Libraries, visit the Local Studies webpages.
About LibraryOn
LibraryOn is a publicly-funded, not-for-profit programme that promotes the work of public libraries. It aims to increase visits to public libraries by making their offers and services easier to discover and use. Funded by Arts Council England, powered by the British Library, and with libraries and library ethics at its heart, LibraryOn currently does this in two core ways; through the LibraryOn website, that shares content from library staff, customers and volunteers and communicates the range of services, community activities and content libraries offer; and the LibraryOn grants programme.
The LibraryOn programme also complements the wider government strategy for libraries, and contributes to the delivery of ‘Knowledge Matters’, the British Library’s 10-year strategy.
The programme distributed £1.5m of funding to library services across England in 2023 to help library services make the most of the opportunities technology offers to be able to connect to their audiences.
