History
Our unique history with black silk lace began in the first half of the 18th century. This precious lace was imported into our region from France, mainly Paris and Lille. In the first half of the 19th century, Geraardsbergen became known for producing Parisian and Lille lace. Although the city did not have its own specific style, this allowed it to adapt flexibly to the latest fashion trends. The technical basis of Lille lace laid the foundation for the famous Chantilly technique.
The heyday of Geraardsbergen Chantilly lace began in the second half of the 19th century. With the hoop skirt going out of fashion in 1869-1870, the popularity of Chantilly lace also declined.
High production costs and increasing industrialization led lace workers to seek better-paid jobs.
In Geraardsbergen, it was mainly the cigar and match factories that attracted the former lace workers.
The Geraardsbergen collection contains 130 unique pieces. The exhibition is open at the Visit Geraardsbergen Tourist Office during visiting hours
