Lace Making in Essex
Veronica Sorenson
Veronica began lace making in 1977, within 2 years was demonstrating her skills, and soon after teaching for 3 local education authorities. Lace making became a passion, and Veronica developed her skills in many European lace styles, first studying and then teaching at the Kantcentrum Lace Centre and Museum in Bruges, Belgium.
With a background in mathematics in aircraft design prior to her marriage, and a later role as a school secretary, she was not only able to understand the construction of these lace styles, but also kept well organised notes on her work and designs.
These skills were put to good use as the first Treasurer of Thameside Lacemakers in the late 1970’s, as Newsletter Editor for the national Lace Guild in 1989 & 1990, and as an author of 4 varied Lace books published by Batsford Ltd, which ensure her name is still known by today’s lacemakers.
Jean Dudding
Jean was an experienced lace maker before the lace making revival of the 1970’s, and was a long time member of the Essex Handicraft Association (founding the Chelmer branch when she was County Chair in 1981).
She is best known to Essex Lacemakers for 2 reasons. Firstly for reviving interest in Coggeshall Tambour Lace, publishing 2 booklets on the subject in the 1970’s after years of research on the technique, and teaching this technique. This is the only named lace style with an Essex link.
And secondly for the “Jean Dudding Award” first held under the ELM umbrella in 2004 for a piece of self-designed lace (no restriction on size of style, but the entry must be submitted with the pattern and the finished lace). This award is linked to the “Dancing Lady” sculpture designed by another Essex Handicrafts Association (EHA) member Nancy Coulson. It was originally awarded at the EHA annual exhibition, but when that ceased Jean requested the trophy be handed across to Essex Lacemakers. The copper sculpture itself is very delicate, and has been on permanent loan to Braintree Museum since 2005.
