Lacemaking 'is thriving'

Far from being about to disappear, lacemaking seems to be thriving, as the 80 pieces of original handcrafted lace submitted for a competition can prove.

Fans, doilies, centre pieces, gloves, christening dresses and bonnets, a chalice veil and even a crib are among the beautiful pieces of handiwork submitted in a lacemaking competition held at Casa Rocca Piccola, in Valletta.

None of the items are for sale but people have until Sunday to visit the 17th century palazzo and admire the beauty of the pieces, each the product of hours of meticulous work.

The mind behind the competition and owner of Casa Rocca Piccola, Marquis Nicholas De Piro, insists the craft of lacemaking is thriving. "It did slow down but was revived just in time. Women of all ages, young, middle-aged and elderly, were taking it up."

Although there was a very strong perception that Gozo was the leader in terms of handmade lace, Marquis De Piro said the craft had a very strong following in Malta, especially in Mellieħa, Birkirkara, Valletta and towns in the south of Malta.

The conditions to take part in the competition are very strict: each participant has to submit an original piece which they made themselves and not, for example, a piece which belonged to their grandmother.

People making lace cannot spend more than three hours a day on the craft because it is so intensive. Each piece is a labour of love, especially considering that certain pieces take over a year to make.

"These things are not done for money but for the love of it. Lacemaking is in the national interest," he said.

This same love is what led Marquis De Piro to organise the competition at his residence for the third consecutive year.

"This is something I feel I had to do. It is very important."

On Sunday, the items will be inspected by a panel of judges and the winners will be announced, sharing €2,500 in prize money. The competition is also sponsored by HSBC Cares for Malta's Heritage Fund.