From the courts of Europe to the symbol of a sea town

Lace became a luxury decoration in the courts of Europe in the 16th century. But who brought the exotic art of bobbin lace to the remote Rauma: Sailors? A Dutch noblewoman? In any case, in the 18th century lace-making had already become a common profession in Rauma.

In 1754, a total of 4,000 ells of lace was made in Rauma and sold. That is 2,400 metres!

When fashionable Europe wore lace-decorated bonnets at the end of the 18th century, the making of well-known Rauma lace employed a majority of the townspeople. The number of lace pillows at that time was 600.

At the beginning of the 19th century lace patterns and fine bobbin thread were imported for lace-makers. Due to the development of Rauma bobbin lace, a bobbin school was established.

However, the use of bonnets started decreasing in 1840s and thus so did the making of bobbin lace. Laces moved from garments into linen. In the 1890s cheap factory-made lace came flooding into the markets.

After a short recession, lace-making saw a revival at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, Rauma has retained its lace-making renown. In recent years, lace-making has been studied by 150 townspeople annually as a hobby.

Local forces have played a major role in maintaining the art of bobbin lace creation. Rauma has arranged courses and exhibitions, tried to make bobbin thread and equipment more easily available, published lace patterns and instructional text, and promoted lace marketing. The Rauma adult education centre has had the making of bobbin lace on its curriculum for nearly five decades.

Since 1971, Rauma has hosted a 'Lace Week' at the end of July, when lace exhibitions draw enthusiasts from all over Finland and also from further afield.

Updated: 27.10.2005