Beautiful and unique artefacts of bobbin lace-makers have brought fame to a small village in southern Poland. Bobowa is renowned for original handmade lace textile – a long term tradition in the region. In the 19th century every noblewoman was obliged to have lingerie and linen embellished with characteristic lace in their trousseau. To this day bobbin lacemaking has been cultivated and promoted through organizing exhibitions, competitions, fairs and artistic workshops. The Gallery of Bobbin Lace in Bobowa presents fine collection of lace products which enchant with the beauty and precision of their manufacture. It is also possible to watch the lace-makers at work as well as purchase their products.
Every year for a few days a small village of Bobowa turns into a European Centre of Lace. Since 2000 the International Festival of Bobbin Laces has been organized here. Lace-makers come from Slovakia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Belgium, Spain, Russia, France, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Poland. On their stalls real works of art can be admired – from fine delicate doilies, through lace jewellery to the elements of dresses and elaborate tablecloth. The festival is crowned with the Folk Art Fair giving you a perfect chance to buy bobbin laces and other souvenirs.
In response to increasing interest in manufacture of lace, lace making workshops and individual courses have been organized in Bobowa. It is a great opportunity to learn the technique of making of this special handicraft in the regional capital of bobbin lace.