Handkerchief
Artifact IDMO 63.5329
Object Type
Handkerchief
Date
pre 1914
Place MadeNew Ross, Ireland, Europe
Medium
point lace
DimensionsBox: H 2 x W 15 1/4 x D 13 1/4 in. (5.1 x 38.7 x 33.7 cm)
Overall: H 9 x W 9 3/4 in. (22.9 x 24.8 cm)
Overall: H 9 x W 9 3/4 in. (22.9 x 24.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionWhite linen handkerchief decorated with border of New Ross rose point lace work. Label reads: "Presented to Mrs. Jacquiline (sic) Kennedy by the people of New Ross on the occasion of President Kennedy's visit 27 June 1963. This Handkerchief is one of the few remaining specimens of the New Ross Rose-Point-Lace -- awarded prizes at the Chicago, Edinburgh and Cork Exh the beginning of the century. After the 1914 War however, the industry declined and never revived." Mounted on black velvet in a red and gold presentation box.
Historical NoteThis piece of lace presented to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy during President Kennedy's trip to Ireland in 1963 was a memento of a once florishing industry. In the 19th century lace making was promoted by representatives of the Catholic Church as a source of revenue, particularly after the failure of Ireland's potato crop in 1845. The work was done by hand using needles and very fine linen thread by women and children trained in schools run by nuns and clerygymen's wives.
The production of rose point flat lace in New Ross began in 1842, under the supervision of Sisters at the Carmelite Convent. A 1907 publication noted the degree of skill required to create point lace: "Only the most expert workers in flat needlepoint are so employed, as it takes years of experience before a worker can be entrusted to produce the speciality, and it is only after five or six years that a wage of 12 shillings per week [approx. $82.55 in 2021 US dollars] can be realized." (Irish International Exhibition, "Irish Rural Life and Industry," 133-134)
Additional DetailsThe production of rose point flat lace in New Ross began in 1842, under the supervision of Sisters at the Carmelite Convent. A 1907 publication noted the degree of skill required to create point lace: "Only the most expert workers in flat needlepoint are so employed, as it takes years of experience before a worker can be entrusted to produce the speciality, and it is only after five or six years that a wage of 12 shillings per week [approx. $82.55 in 2021 US dollars] can be realized." (Irish International Exhibition, "Irish Rural Life and Industry," 133-134)
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from the people of New Ross, Ireland to Mrs. Kennedy received by President Kennedy during his state visit to Ireland in 1963. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1677327)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.Subjects
In Collection(s)
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