382
HISTORY OF LACK.
haps, under the patronage of the present respectable duchess, themanufacture of Hamilton lace may again become as flourishing asever” 1
“ The Duchess of Hamilton,” says the “ Edinburgh Amuse-ment” of 1752, “ has ordered a home to be set up in Hamiltonfor the reception of twelve poor girls and a mistress. The girlsare to be taken in at the age of seven, clothed, fed, taught tospin, make lace, etc., and dismissed at fourteen.”
The work of the fair duchess throve, for, in 1754, we readhow—“ The Duchess of Hamilton has now the pleasure to see thegood effects of her charity. Her Grace’s small orphan familyhave, by spinning, gained a sum of money, and lately presentedthe duke and duchess with a double piece of Holland, and somesuits of exceeding fine lace ruffles, of their own manufacture,which their Graces did them the honour to wear on the duke’sbirthday, July 14, and which vied with anything worn on theoccasion, though there was a splendid company present. Theyarn of which the ruffles were made weighed only ten drops eachhank.” 2
It was probably owing to the influence of this impulsive Irish-woman that, in the year 1754, was founded the Select Society ofEdinburgh for encouraging the arts and manufactures of Scotland,headed by the Duke of Hamilton. This society was contemporarywith the Anti-Gallican in England and the Dublin Society, thoughwe believe, in this case, Dublin can claim precedence over thecapital of North Britain.
At a meeting of the society it was moved that “ The annualimportation of worked ruffles and of bone lace and edging into thiscountry is considerable. By proper encouragement we might besupplied at home with these ornaments. It was therefore resolved—
“ That a premium be assigned to all superior merit in suchwork; such a one as may be a mark of respect to w'omen of fashion,and may also be of some solid advantage to those whose laudableindustry contributes to their own support.
“ For the best imitation of Dresden work, or a pair of men’sruffles, a prize of 57. 5s.
“ For the best bone lace, not under twenty yards, 57. 5s. Thegainers of these two best articles may have the money or a goldmedal, at their option.”
1 “Statistical Account of Scotland.” Sir John Sinclair. Edinburgh, 1702.Vol. ii. 198. 2 “Edinburgh Amusement.”