Major lace art exhibition opens this weekend at Bornem Abbey

The exhibition 'Lace Re-Born-Em', which is dedicated to the artistic use of lace, opens on Saturday at Bornem Abbey. It will feature contemporary lace creations from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland, many of which have been created especially for the exhibition.

The exhibition is organised by the non-profit organisation Living Lace, which previously held a lace art conference in Bruges. It is also supported by art collector Karine Huts, wife of Fernand Huts. Around 80 pieces will be on display, contributed by six Flemish art academies, Belgian and international lace associations, and around forty independent artists. Pieces from the abbey’s own lace collection will also be included.

The exhibition aims to demonstrate how lace can be employed in the creation of contemporary art, regardless of whether traditional techniques are used. The organisers hope to demonstrate the evolution of lace from a craft to a bona fide art form.

Flemish roots

Lace production originated in 16th century Flanders, from where it spread across Europe and the wider world. Knowledge and skills were passed down from mother to daughter for generations, and later also through formal teaching in convent schools.

From the beginning, two distinct types were recognised: bobbin lace, which is made on a lace pillow using thread and bobbins; and needle lace, which grew out of embroidery traditions and is crafted using a needle and thread.

Over the centuries, a variety of techniques were developed in Flanders, each with its own distinctive characteristics. In the 17th century, 'Flemish lace' was the dominant term, but increasing specialisation in the early 18th century saw the rise of numerous bobbin lace styles, often named after the towns where they originated: Bruges, Mechelen, Brussels, Aalst, Geraardsbergen, Binche, Turnhout, Sint-Truiden and Lier, among others. Needle lace production was concentrated in the Waasland region. For centuries, the lace industry shaped fashion trends, with Flemish lace being highly prized by both the nobility and the clergy.

However, the 19th century brought stiff competition from machine-made tulle and lace. Nevertheless, measures were taken to safeguard the art of lace-making for the future. Following a decline in production after the Second World War, the 1960s 'flower power' movement sparked renewed interest in traditional crafts, a trend which has continued to grow in recent years and benefited the lace sector once again.

The Lace Re-BORN-Em exhibition runs from Saturday 16 August to Sunday 19 October 2025 and is open from Thursday to Sunday each week.

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