NSW Event: Spaces Make Laces – the Janice Jones Collection
- Event: Spaces Make Laces – the Janice Jones Collection
- When: 11th-12th September 2021
- Where: McCrossins Mill Museum, Uralla – Northern NSW
- Other Activities: Launch luncheon, exhibitions, installations, music, performance lace making, talks, tour of local iron lace, 3 day lace workshop.
- Accommodation: Motels, hotels, AirBnB’s in Uralla and Armidale, and on-farm accommodation at Kentucky.
- To Get There: New England Highway, buses from Brisbane, train and planes from Sydney.
Background to the Janice Jones Lace Collection
Janice Jones began collecting lace in soon after she began making it in the early 1980s. She had a keen eye and the support of respected dealers so her collection of more than 400 pieces includes some rare treasures, which illustrate more than 4 centuries of lace history. Almost all was purchased overseas at a time when several important collections went to auction after the death of their owners. Some of those collectors had published books about lace history and were highly regarded experts.
Over the years Janice has spent many weekends giving talks about her lace and showing it to country lacemaking and community groups. When she was ready to part with it in 2018 she was delighted that Uralla Historical Society so readily accepted the collection as a donation. It will be displayed in specially built cabinetry at McCrossin’s Mill Museum where it will delight visitors for many years to come.
The New England Lace Group have been the interim custodians of the collection while it was being prepared for the display which will have a Gala Opening on Saturday September 11.
