The research contributes to the debate among craft theorists about the
value of maintaining hand craft skills. Irish Crochet lace making was chosen as a case study to illustrate how it was possible for the first makers, women and girls untrained in art and design, to create a unique, aesthetically valuable lace, and how their approach is still relevant for contemporary artists. The information should be of interest to: - practice-based PhD students considering a bricoleur methodology; - craft theorists – the extended case study demonstrates the value to contemporary artists of an experiential background in craft technique; - textile historians; - Irish Crochet makers - who have wisely chosen a craft with vast inherent creative potential. |