Forthcoming Exhibitions at The Hollies
English Laces - The East Midlands Industries
1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026
We have altered the theme of this exhibition to enable us to include some of the items from the late Pam Nottingham’s recently catalogued pattern collection. Concentrating on the laces of the 19th through to the early 20th centuries - by looking at the various lace dealers of the area - gives an opportunity to showcase a selection of some of the items from our ever-increasing collection of English Laces from this era.
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Lace sample books, both from known dealers and those whose origins are no longer known, and printed catalogues and photographs which were used as advertisements for mail order sales. Expect to see patterns and laces from North Bucks Lace Association, Lester, Pope and Sievewright, Bucks Cottage Workers Agency, Winslow Lace Industry, and others.
Recent Acquisitions
7 February 2026 - 25 April 2026
In 2025 a varied and interesting cross section of Laces of various types and ages, lacemaking tools and ephemera were taken into The Lace Guild’s Collection; the majority were donations from both the general public and our members. None of these items have been exhibited before.
We asked two of our Museum Volunteers (Elise Naish and Iain Donald) to undertake the daunting task of selecting the items for inclusion from the many hundreds they had helped catalogue and accession over last year.
Golden Jubilee
2 May 2026 – 12 September 2026
We have been offered the loan of an exciting range of lace items to add to those already donated to the Museum collection over the years. By definition, all will be modern-made laces, although the design styles will vary from traditional through to avant-garde. Group entries, those entered by Young Lacemakers over the years, and the original work of Designers/Makers will be included alongside the reworking of traditional designs. This exhibition will present the many changes that have taken place over the 50-year period.
Visit The Exhibition
Opening times for the Hollies Exhibition Room
Every Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 – 15:00
Lace Identification on Saturdays
On the first Saturdays during February/May/August/November a member of the Museum Committee is usually on hand to identify your lace, etc. Please speak to staff at The Hollies in advance to book an appointment
Entrance is free to Members and children aged 16 and under. Non-members are welcome but are asked to give a donation please.
Phone The Hollies on 01384 390739 or click this button to go to the Contact Us page.