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Appreciating the Artistry of Lacemaking in Bruges
Published by Denise Beresford
Country: Belgium 
The Experience
Handmade lace was once integral to Bruges’ industry, particularly because it was a craft that many poorer families would pass down through the generations. Although Bruges lacemakers only usually made a pittance, it was enough to support their families in a time of great poverty. The history surrounding this craft, which dates back to the sixteenth century, is absolutely fascinating. Many people view Bruges as synonymous with lacemaking, but they know little about the industry and the lives of the Belgian workers. Taking the time to delve into the heart of this beautiful medieval city, and really experience the artistry of the Bruges lace industry, is definitely well worth the trip.
Lacemaking in Bruges was predominantly for the upper classes as the fashionable nobility were obsessed with the intricate floral patterns. They frequently adorned themselves in it as a way of expressing their prestige and bourgeois style. You can see many samples of such charmingly crafted material at the Bruges Kantcentrum.
If you are interested in lacemaking, then Bruges is definitely the place to immerse yourself in times gone by. Located right in the heart of Bruges, the gentle walk through the quaint little cobbled streets is almost as appealing and fascinating as the actual Bruges Kantcentrum lacemaking museum. Furthermore, the entrance is located right next door to Bruges’ stunning Jerusalem church. In fact, you will find that you spend a good deal of your lacemaking excursion marvelling at the enchanting fifteenth century architecture, which remains virtually intact to this day. Taking the time to look at the elegant stained glass windows, and even the mausoleums of the church’s founders, before you move onto the lace museum, is highly recommended.
The Kantcentrum museum is housed in some beautifully restored almshouses, which is a lovely surprise. The thing many visitors find most interesting about the Kantcentrum museum is the live lacemaking displays that take place in the afternoon. After wandering around the museum at your own pace, you can make your way to the open lace atelier where a highly skilled lacemaker will demonstrate their skill and dedication right in front of you. They generally slow down for the proper demonstration, but to see a skilled lacemaker at work, at their normal pace, is awe-inspiring. Using up to two hundred beautifully wood-turned bobbins, the intricate details form right before your eyes as the lady’s fingers move in a blur. The speed at which they weave the bobbins in and out, under and over, through and between is incredible.
The demonstrators are more than happy to answer your questions, which makes the experience truly worthwhile. Also, if you fancy taking a piece of lace from Bruges home with you, there is a fantastic gift shop on site that supplies all kinds of different designs of traditional Belgian lace, as well as lots of informative books if you fancy learning a little more. You can even purchase one of the lacemaking patterns to have a go at it yourself.
After your trip to the museum, take a walk around the city. Lace and lacemaking is omnipresent in Bruges! Down almost every picturesque little street there is a lacemaker sitting in a shop window or doorway making bobbin lace. Watching them is mesmerizing as they work so fast and with such skill and precision. It really is a true work of art, and it must take a lifetime of dedication to produce such wonderful pieces. If you can draw yourself away from the sights, make your way to the Katelijne Lace Shop where you can buy your own special piece of Bruges lace as a memento of an experience to be treasured.
Lacemaking in Bruges was predominantly for the upper classes as the fashionable nobility were obsessed with the intricate floral patterns. They frequently adorned themselves in it as a way of expressing their prestige and bourgeois style. You can see many samples of such charmingly crafted material at the Bruges Kantcentrum.
If you are interested in lacemaking, then Bruges is definitely the place to immerse yourself in times gone by. Located right in the heart of Bruges, the gentle walk through the quaint little cobbled streets is almost as appealing and fascinating as the actual Bruges Kantcentrum lacemaking museum. Furthermore, the entrance is located right next door to Bruges’ stunning Jerusalem church. In fact, you will find that you spend a good deal of your lacemaking excursion marvelling at the enchanting fifteenth century architecture, which remains virtually intact to this day. Taking the time to look at the elegant stained glass windows, and even the mausoleums of the church’s founders, before you move onto the lace museum, is highly recommended.
The Kantcentrum museum is housed in some beautifully restored almshouses, which is a lovely surprise. The thing many visitors find most interesting about the Kantcentrum museum is the live lacemaking displays that take place in the afternoon. After wandering around the museum at your own pace, you can make your way to the open lace atelier where a highly skilled lacemaker will demonstrate their skill and dedication right in front of you. They generally slow down for the proper demonstration, but to see a skilled lacemaker at work, at their normal pace, is awe-inspiring. Using up to two hundred beautifully wood-turned bobbins, the intricate details form right before your eyes as the lady’s fingers move in a blur. The speed at which they weave the bobbins in and out, under and over, through and between is incredible.
The demonstrators are more than happy to answer your questions, which makes the experience truly worthwhile. Also, if you fancy taking a piece of lace from Bruges home with you, there is a fantastic gift shop on site that supplies all kinds of different designs of traditional Belgian lace, as well as lots of informative books if you fancy learning a little more. You can even purchase one of the lacemaking patterns to have a go at it yourself.
After your trip to the museum, take a walk around the city. Lace and lacemaking is omnipresent in Bruges! Down almost every picturesque little street there is a lacemaker sitting in a shop window or doorway making bobbin lace. Watching them is mesmerizing as they work so fast and with such skill and precision. It really is a true work of art, and it must take a lifetime of dedication to produce such wonderful pieces. If you can draw yourself away from the sights, make your way to the Katelijne Lace Shop where you can buy your own special piece of Bruges lace as a memento of an experience to be treasured.
When to Go to Bruge Lace Making
Lace making is an all-year-round activity in Bruges, but if you visit the city at Christmas, the scene is almost fairytale. With the medieval buildings decorated and the main square warm and inviting—with anything from a market, a temporary ice rink, and a live performance area—the city is more alive than usual.
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