Lace Making 'The Lace Pillow', 1888

Lace Making 'The Lace Pillow', 1888. A photograph taken by Colonel Joseph Gale (c 1835-1906). On the reverse of the photograph are lines written by the poet William Cowper (1733-1800) from his poem, 'Truth'. It reflects the fact that lacemaking was generally an occupation of the poor. 'Yon cottager, who weaves at her own door, Pillow and bobbins all her little store; Content though mean, and cheerful if not gay, Shuffling her threads about the livelong day, Just earns a scanty pittance, [and at night Lies down secure, her heart and pocket light].' This photograph was exhibited at the Photographic Socety of Great Britain in 1888 and the House Exhibition of the Royal Photographic Society in 1901. Joseph Gale specialised in naturalistic photographs of rural life and figures in landscapes. ©SSPL/NMeM/Kodak Collection