Latest news with #traditionalcraft
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Appeal to save fading craft of handmade lace
One of Nottinghamshire's most distinctive crafts is at risk of dying out if new people are not trained, enthusiasts lace-making is a centuries-old hand technique that evolved into machine lace-making and made Nottingham world fans of the traditional bobbin lace-making say it is a skill in danger of being lost as few new people are discovering Harris, 80, said: "It used to be taught in colleges and schools, but now people just don't seem to know about it." The craft began in Italy in the 15th Century but spread across Europe due to its relative simplicity.A pattern is laid on a pillow, then pinned out, and threads, each held on a weighted bobbin, intricately wound round the Nottingham this developed into a literal cottage industry where families would have frames in their the arrival of the machine-driven Industrial Revolution turned this into a global trade which dominated part of the city, which is still known as the Lace Harris took up bobbin lace-making 45 years ago when her then six-year-old daughter struggled to learn it at Harris said: "She brought it home but couldn't work it out."It seemed clear to me, and when I spoke to the lady who was teaching the children, she said I should go to night classes." Despite its seeming complexity, Ms Harris insists it is relatively easy to start. "It is basically two stitches," she said. "You can learn those in 10 minutes, but it's how you put them together, that's the secret."I find it very calming. You sit with the pillow, and you can have the tele or radio on, and you lose yourself in it."If you are feeling down or worried or whatever, you sit at your lace pillow and you make your lace, and you enjoy what you are doing. "And when you finish, you have such a lovely piece - I make wedding hankies or wedding garters for all my family." Ms Harris feels the craft has been squeezed out of the public's said: "There used to be clubs in schools and evening classes run by colleges, but these seem to have gone."We demonstrate at the industrial museum and Brewhouse Yard every month, and we have tried and tried to put it out there, but it is hard."We need someone who can learn and then teach it because it feels like its future is hanging by a thread. "Two of us are 80, and the other teacher is a bit younger, but we need someone to come along and build experience."It seems like I've got to keep strong and go on for a few years more."Christopher Lillimen, a trustee at the Nottingham Industrial Museum, said: "The lace industry is a major part of the area's history, and bobbin lace is a major part of that story."Having the bobbin lace makers here really shows the impact of mechanisation - hand lace uses a few dozen bobbins, while one of our machines here has 4,500."And visitors can have a go at bobbin lace-making - which they can't do with the big machines!"
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DANAT showcases Bahrain's timeless pearl heritage at Arabian Travel Market 2025
The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) proudly participated in the Arabian Travel Market 2025, held over four days at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the theme "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity". This prestigious event served as a strategic platform to present Bahrain's distinctive cultural narrative, with a particular focus on its enduring heritage of natural pearls. Through its dedicated stand, DANAT showcased the Kingdom's deep-rooted history in pearls—traditions that are inseparable from Bahrain's national identity. A key highlight was the live demonstration of the traditional oyster shucking, which drew significant interest from attendees of various nationalities. Visitors gained an immersive insight into the intricate craftsmanship that historically underpinned Bahrain's maritime economy, highlighting the lasting beauty and cultural authenticity of its traditional practices. Commenting on DANAT's participation, CEO Mrs. Noora Jamsheer stated: 'We are honoured to represent the Kingdom of Bahrain and its pearl heritage at one of the region's most distinguished and internationally recognised travel and tourism exhibitions. The Arabian Travel Market provides an exceptional platform to convey the richness of Bahrain's cultural traditions—particularly those rooted in natural pearls and fine jewellery—firmly anchoring them within the narrative of national tourism.' 'Our participation in international platforms of this calibre contributes meaningfully to advancing Bahrain's position as a distinguished destination for heritage tourism. At DANAT, we play an active role in preserving and showcasing the Kingdom's cultural wealth, particularly its renowned pearling legacy." Mrs. Jamsheer said, "The strong interest and engagement witnessed at our pavilion reflected widespread appreciation for the educational insights and live demonstrations delivered by our team. In parallel, we engaged in constructive dialogue with travel and tourism stakeholders to explore prospective partnerships that support the growth of heritage-oriented tourism experiences.' Mrs. Jamsheer further noted that this initiative aligns with DANAT's central role in advancing the national strategy to revitalise the pearl industry. It also reflects the Institute's broader objective of reinforcing Bahrain's global status as a hub for natural pearls and a key player in heritage tourism. About DANAT: Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) was established in 2017, under the aegis of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom. Its vision is to become the world's preferred institute for natural pearls and gemstones' third-party verification services and scientific research. As a reflection of Bahrain's ancient pearling history and the strong desire to protect this heritage, DANAT was established as the guardian of global gemological excellence. It plays a vital role in ensuring, protecting and enhancing public trust in pearls, gemstones and jewellery. DANAT is an authority on industry standards, scientific knowledge and education, and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional and personal ethics. For more information on DANAT, kindly contact. Marketing & Communications
