3.6
used by lace maker to support pillow on which lace was made
Originally, the lace pillow was supported partly by the knee of the worker and partly by a three-legged pillow horse. This type of horse was called a 'single horse'. Later a bow was added, so that the pillow was supported entirely by the horse. This was called a 'bowed horse'. A pillow stand was also referred to as the 'lady' or the 'maid'. Mr. Massingham obtained this stand from Miss Armes of Burford, Oxfordshire. He doubts whether such a fine piece of furniture was made for a cottager and suggests that it may have come from a large farm or manor house.
Physical description
1 pillow stand: wood (mahogany); good condition
Archival history
from H. J. Massingham Collection