BLONDE LACE

originally, bobbin lace made in France in the 18th century from unbleached pale beige Chinese silk. Subsequently, the term blonde was extended to cover lace made of bleached silk (white blonde) and black-dyed silk (black blonde). Blonde lace was made in France at Bayeux, Caen, and Chantilly in the mid-18th century and also in England (Dorset) c. 175480. Just before the Revolution of 1789, blonde lace was light and decorated with flowers. This style later gave way to a heavier Spanish style. A revival of blonde, including earlier styles, took place in France in the 19th century. Much blonde lace was imported by Spain for mantillas; for, although the Spanish made their own blonde from silk spun near Barcelona, it was inferior to the French.