Mount Carmel Lace Design

Initially, much of the lace design was copied from pieces of old lace. Subsequently, these were adapted and varied by the increasingly skilled needleworkers, as attested in the Wages Book by payments for design.

A keen eye was also kept on lace being produced by other centres of excellence and many high-quality photographs were acquired. This was to meet the requests from purchasers for particular styles associated with various locations.

Increasingly, Mount Carmel gained national and international repute for the quality of design and execution of needlepoint lace, particularly rose point.

Mr. Michael Holland, a graduate of the Cork School of Art, and a supervisor for crochet dealer Dwyer &Company, and Mr. S. J. Muprhy of Waterford School of Art assisted the reputation of Mount Carmel Crochet and Lace through their innovative designs (many of which won awards for their artistry and creativity ). Some of the experienced lace makers also contributed to the design of new variations. There is a considerable range of patterns and designs within The Mount Carmel Collection.