Thread of Knowledge

Thread of Knowledge

The original title of the Thread of Knowledge exhibition contains several layers of meaning. Firstly, we want to emphasise the immense knowledge required to turn a delicate thread into intricately crafted lace. On the other hand, the art of lace-making has been under threat many times in the past, as if hanging by a thread. Many lace-making schools ceased to operate, but today we can observe a positive trend in this field. The title can also be understood more broadly, not just in the context of lace-making, and we can only hope that knowledge in our society will never hang by a thread.

Lace Is More Than Just a Decorative Item

Lace is an important part of cultural heritage, combining the knowledge, creativity, skill, and everyday life of many generations. In Slovenian territory, lace-making developed in various regions, each of them developing its own distinctive patterns, techniques, and traditions. With the rise of lace-making, there was a need for a more systematic approach to knowledge transfer, which led to the establishment of lace-making schools.

From Aristocratic Salons to School Desks

Originally, lace-making was a noble occupation. Gradually spreading from castles and monasteries, the art of bobbin lace-making became popular among burghers and peasants. The first organised lace-making school in what is now Slovenia operated in Ljubljana between 1763 and 1768. Teaching bobbin lace-making later spread through various forms of women’s handicrafts instruction. Idrija was an important centre, where a lace-making school was founded in 1876 and has remained in operation ever since. Other lace-making schools and courses were established in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, contributing significantly to the development of the local lace-making tradition. Of these, the lace-making schools in Žiri and Železniki remain operational today.

Between Tradition and Change

The significant political and social changes of the 20^th century also impacted the organisation of lace-making education. Following the establishment of the Rapallo border, the development and administration of schools to the west and east of the border proceeded separately. Idrija and the Littoral hinterland came under the authority of Gorizia, Italy, while Ljubljana assumed a central role in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. After World War II, as industry developed, interest in lace-making declined, resulting in the closure of numerous schools and courses. Interest in lace is currently rising again, and the goal remains the same as it was years ago: to preserve and pass on the art of bobbin lace-making. This mission is carried out by lace-making schools, clubs, festivals, societies, museums, and other cultural institutions.

Living Heritage for the Future

Bobbin lace-making is a living craft heritage and part of contemporary culture. Lace is not only found in traditional forms; it is also making its mark in design, fashion, architecture, and the visual arts. In 2018, Slovenian bobbin lace-making was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, confirming the exceptional cultural significance of bobbin lace-making in Slovenia.