LACE MANUFACTURES OF SCOTLAND.

383

As may be supposed, the newly founded fabric of the duchesswas not passed over by a society of which the duke himself wasthe patron. In the year 1757, we have, among the prizes adjudged,one of two guineas to Anne Henderson, of Hamilton, “ for thewhitest, and best, and finest lace, commonly called Hamilton lace,not under two yards.” A prize had already been offered in 1755, 3but, as stated the following year, “ no lace was given in.” Prizescontinued in 1758 and 1759 to be given for the produce ofHamilton; in the last year to the value of four ginoas. 4

The early death of the Duke of Hamilton, and the secondmarriage of the Duchess, did not in any way impede the progressof Hamilton lace, for, as late as 1778, we read in Locke’s “Essayson the Scotch Commerce: ”—“ The lace manufactory, under thepatronage of the amiable Duchess of Hamilton (now Argyle), goeson with success and spirit.”

Fig. 140.

Hamilton lace.

"With respect to the quality of this Hamilton lace, laudable aswere the efforts of the duchess, she succeeded in producing but avery coarse fabric. The specimens which have come under ournotice are edgings of the commonest description, of a coarse thread,always of the lozenge pattern (Fig. 14G); being strong and firm,it was used for nightcaps, never for dresses, and justified the

* 1755. Premium 2 1 . offered. “ Fortlio whitest, best, and finest lace, com-monly called Hamilton lace, and of thebest pattern, not under two yards inlength and not under tlireo inches inbreadth.”

4 Tlio Edinburgh Society did not con-fine their rewards to Hamilton lace ; imi-tation of Dresden, catgut lace, gold, silver,

and even livery lace, each met witli itsduo reward.

1758. For imitation of lace done oncatgut, for ruffles, a gold medal to MissAnno Cant, Edinburgh.

For a pioco of livery lace done to per-fection to J. Bowio, 2 guineas.

To W. Bowio for a pioce of gold andsilver lace, 2 guineas.